Nicaragua Withdraws From UNESCO After Exiled Newspaper Wins Press Freedom Award

UNESCO has made public the withdrawal of Nicaragua from the U.N. cultural and educational body due to the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize being awarded to La Prensa, a Nicaraguan newspaper. In response, UNESCO’s director general, Audrey Azoulay, expressed regret over Nicaragua’s decision to withdraw from the organization, emphasizing the importance of defending freedom of expression and press freedom globally. The prize was recommended by an international jury of media professionals and was awarded to La Prensa in 2025. La Prensa, founded in 1926, has continued to inform the Nicaraguan population online since 2021, with most of its team in exile and operating from various countries.

Nicaraguan authorities accused La Prensa of promoting U.S. military and political interventions in Nicaragua, labeling the prize award as a “traitorous anti-patriotic sentiment.” This move by Nicaragua is seen as a setback for UNESCO and comes amidst tensions between the organization and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trump had previously called for a review of American involvement in UNESCO and announced the U.S. withdrawal from the organization in 2017, citing anti-Israel bias. However, the United States rejoined UNESCO in 2023 during Joe Biden’s presidency after a five-year absence.