The International Labour Organization (ILO), headquartered in Geneva, has announced the loss of around 225 jobs due to significant funding cuts, mainly caused by the reduction of voluntary contributions from the United States under President Donald Trump.
These job cuts affect staff both at the Geneva office and in field operations.
ILO Director-General Gilbert Houngbo expressed deep concern over the impact on staff morale and acknowledged that the organization is under serious financial strain. To manage costs, he mentioned the possibility of relocating some operations from expensive Geneva to more affordable cities such as Turin, Budapest, Bonn, or even further afield to places like Doha and Pretoria.
Other UN agencies, like the International Organization for Migration, have also started laying off short-term staff. Houngbo warned that even more job losses across UN bodies could follow, as several international donors, not just the U.S., are pulling back funding. Since the U.S. is the largest contributor to both assessed and voluntary funding, its withdrawal poses a double challenge for the ILO.
The U.S. currently accounts for 22% of the ILO's $880 million budget for 2026–2027, which is set to be reviewed at the upcoming International Labour Conference. Houngbo said a revised budget might be necessary, something that hasn't happened in recent memory. In response, the ILO is preparing a business continuity plan, freezing new external hiring, and launching a voluntary redundancy program to deal with the uncertain financial future.
Japan has reportedly cancelled a planned high-level security meeting with the United States after Washington pressed Tokyo to increase its defense spending, according to the Financial Times.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that American personnel are being relocated from parts of the Middle East, citing the region as potentially dangerous. He reaffirmed that the United States will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon.
Los Angeles police made mass arrests late Tuesday after protesters violated a newly imposed curfew following five days of demonstrations against Trump's immigration crackdown, which were marred by looting and vandalism.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan to Washington on Tuesday for talks focused on strengthening the U.S.-UAE partnership.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said on Tuesday that trade discussions with China were progressing positively, as officials from both nations met for a second day in London.
U.S. President Donald Trump rejects claims that recent American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities had limited effect, declaring the sites were "totally destroyed."
Moments ago, Iran launched missiles at Qatar. Explosions have been heard in Doha and across the country.
Gulf states and Iraq remain on high alert amid fears of Iranian retaliation following recent U.S. airstrikes.
Oil prices dropped 1% on Monday after hitting five-month highs, as markets assessed the impact of U.S. strikes on Iran and potential risks to oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
An Azerbaijani delegation attended the opening ceremony of the 30th Shanghai Television Festival, one of Asia’s most prestigious media events, held in China’s Shanghai city on June 23.
Moments ago, Iran launched missiles at Qatar. Explosions have been heard in Doha and across the country.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
U.S. President Donald Trump rejects claims that recent American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities had limited effect, declaring the sites were "totally destroyed."
Gulf states and Iraq remain on high alert amid fears of Iranian retaliation following recent U.S. airstrikes.
Oil prices dropped 1% on Monday after hitting five-month highs, as markets assessed the impact of U.S. strikes on Iran and potential risks to oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met King Charles at Windsor Castle on Monday during a short visit to the UK aimed at strengthening defense ties and increasing pressure on Russia.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has warned that the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Iran, and Israel could dismantle the global nuclear non-proliferation regime, calling for an urgent return to diplomacy and inspections.
U.S. President Donald Trump rejects claims that recent American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities had limited effect, declaring the sites were "totally destroyed."
Moments ago, Iran launched missiles at Qatar. Explosions have been heard in Doha and across the country.
Gulf states and Iraq remain on high alert amid fears of Iranian retaliation following recent U.S. airstrikes.
Oil prices dropped 1% on Monday after hitting five-month highs, as markets assessed the impact of U.S. strikes on Iran and potential risks to oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
An Azerbaijani delegation attended the opening ceremony of the 30th Shanghai Television Festival, one of Asia’s most prestigious media events, held in China’s Shanghai city on June 23.
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