ILO to release 2026 update on Middle East crisis impact on global labour markets | Report

The International Labour Organization (ILO) will hold an embargoed media briefing ahead of the launch of its new Employment and Social Outlook 2026 Update, which examines how the Middle East crisis is affecting global labour markets, according to a press release issued by the ILO on 13 May 2026. The briefing will take place on Monday, 18 May, from 09:30 to 10:00 Geneva time, in an online format. It will be conducted by the report’s author, Sangheon Lee, ILO Chief Economist. The session is intended for accredited journalists and members of the press community. The forthcoming report aims to inform global discussions on the labour market consequences of the ongoing crisis.

The announcement was made from Geneva, where the ILO is headquartered. The media advisory forms part of the organization’s regular communication ahead of major report launches. It targets UN Palais correspondents and accredited journalists worldwide. The briefing precedes the formal publication of the new update. All shared information remains under strict embargo until the official release time.

The Employment and Social Outlook 2026 Update presents new estimates of the potential impact on jobs, working hours, and labour incomes. These estimates are examined under different energy price scenarios. The analysis focuses specifically on how the Middle East crisis is shaping global employment conditions. The report is authored by Sangheon Lee, who will personally lead the briefing. His presentation will provide journalists with first access to the report’s findings.

All information shared during the briefing is under strict embargo until 18 May 2026 at 10:00 Geneva/Central European Time, equivalent to 08:00 GMT, when the embargo on the report is lifted. Embargoed copies of the report and press materials are available to accredited journalists upon request. UN Palais and accredited journalists may request the Zoom link and access details. Login details will be provided upon confirmation. Further information is available through the ILO Department of Communication at [email protected].

The release of the update is expected to contribute to the global understanding of how regional crises shape labour markets. The ILO will provide the findings simultaneously to media outlets worldwide once the embargo is lifted. The briefing format is designed to allow direct engagement with the report’s author. Journalists are encouraged to confirm participation in advance. The full report will become publicly available at the scheduled embargo lift on 18 May 2026.