TEACHING unions slammed the withdrawal of the United States from international organisations, conventions and treaties today.

The Trump administration’s decision to pull out of 66 international bodies that foster global co-operation was condemned by Education International (EI), which represents more than 33 million teachers across 180 countries and territories.

EI dismissed President Donald Trump’s claim that the bodies are acting contrary to his country’s national interests as “false and harmful to both the US and the world.”

In the US, National Education Association (NEA) president Becky Pringle said: “By turning away from the global community during a time of mounting conflict, extremism, climate disasters and displacement, the Trump administration is choosing to abandon our collective responsibility to the future of our planet and children. 

“Multilateralism and international co-operation — enshrined through the critical function of many of these organisations — protect the universal right to education that all children deserve.

“The NEA stands in unwavering solidarity with educators and unionists around the world as we fight for our shared humanity. We refuse to back down from our commitment to universal human rights, accountability, and a just future for our planet.”

American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten said: “Educators know our classrooms don’t exist in isolation — and neither should our nations. 

“Walking away from international co-operation undermines the very principles of shared responsibility and solidarity that keep our world safe and ensure a more just future for our students.

“These agreements grew out of two world wars that cost millions of people their lives, including thousands of American service members. Why not learn from history? Ironically, this so-called America First agenda will hurt Americans first.”

The EI statement said: “Educators around the world stand with our colleagues in the US who are resisting the Trump administration’s attempt to return to the dark age of might makes right at home and abroad.”