On the specific issue of the reference to sexual orientation and gender identity in the 2026-2027 Program and Budget, we are concerned that the March 2025 Session of the ILO Governing Body (March GB) had to adopt the proposals by a vote, in the absence of consensus.

While we fully appreciate the debate and the divergence of views on this matter, we are of the view that the joint proposals of the social partners, which garnered the majority of votes in the Governing Body, is the most feasible way forward to avert the high risk of not adopting an ILO 2026-2027 Program and Budget at this year’s international labour conference.
For emphasis, we wish to restate the position of the Employers and Workers Groups of the Governing Body of the ILO here - the recognition of the policy differences among governments on the issue of sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as the need for a separate agenda item discussion in the policy section of the November Governing Body meeting on this matter.

We therefore appeal to all our Africa governments to help avert the failure to adopt a budget, which would have a significant and far-reaching negative impact on workers and employers worldwide, particularly in Africa.

We therefore urge you, your excellencies, to vote for the 2025 ILO Program and Budget based on the March GB decision and to continue your reasonable efforts to ensure that Africa, while recognising some differences in national circumstances, benefits together from the financial and other resources of the ILO in our quest to develop the economic and labour conditions and opportunities of our peoples.

Yours Sincerely,

Jacqueline Mugo, EBS
Secretary General
Business Africa Employers Confederation

Joel Akhator Odigie
General Secretary
ITUC – Africa