Member states of the UN’s Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization have voted to approve Palestinian membership of their organization, automatically losing US funding as a result and casting a shadow over multiple projects.

US legislation prevents the country contributing to any UN body that makes such a move. As a result, UNESCO will forgo the US$80 million it was due from the United States, which made up some 20% of its direct contributions from members.

The US Department of State has expressed concerns that there may be a “cascade” effect, with other UN bodies following the UNESCO lead. Potential agencies mentioned in this context in yesterday’s departmental press briefing included the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“We are very concerned about [the vote], which is why we didn’t want it to happen in this first place and why we’re concerned about this move being replicated in other UN agencies,” said Victoria Nuland, a department spokeswoman.

Other countries may follow the US lead on UNESCO, with Canada already raising concerns (Canadian Press). Israel says it will “consider its further steps and ongoing cooperation”. In total, 14 UNESCO members voted against Palestinian membership.

Irina Bokova, the director general of UNESCO, said she was “concerned by the potential challenges that may arise to the universality and financial stability of the Organization” as a result of the funding shortfall.