The World Health Organization (WHO) said its workforce would shrink by nearly a quarter, or more than 2,000 jobs, by the middle of next year due to the fallout of losing its largest donor, the United States, earlier this year, Rueters reported.

As CMM previously reported, in January President Donald Trump signed an order to withdraw the U.S. from the WHO. The U.S. is by far the WHO’s largest financial funder, contributing approximately 18% of the organization’s funding.

According to Reuters, WHO projects that its workforce will decrease by 2,371 posts by June 2026 from 9,401 in January 2025 due to job cuts along with retirements and departures. The global health agency said in August that hundreds of staff had departed, but Rueters reported that this is the first time WHO has given the scale of global staff changes.

This week, the WHO is also scheduled to announce a US$1.06 billion deficit in its 2026-2027 budget, or about a quarter of its total required budget, down from an estimated gap of $1.7 billion in May.

ISSA Show North America, the most comprehensive global event dedicated to cleaning and facility solutions, concluded on Nov. 13. The show connected the world’s leading suppliers and service providers from over 70 countries. It highlighted critical topics around technology integration, advanced automation solutions, enhanced safety protocols, industry advocacy initiatives, and emerging market trends and drove transformative discussions that will define the cleaning and facility management sector’s evolution for years to come.

More than 600 exhibitors across the show floor displayed and demonstrated thousands of products that spanned categories from cleaning agents, floor and carpet care, and equipment and accessories to safety and industrial supplies and technology and business solutions. Companies in attendance included Arm & Hammer Commercial; Clorox Pro; GOJO Industries; GP PRO; Hoover and Oreck Professional; Nilfisk; P&G Pro; SC Johnson Professional; Spartan Chemical Co. Inc.; Tork, an Essity Brand; and Supplymaid, among hundreds more.

Regulatory and compliance, management, and sustainability were top of mind throughout the comprehensive education programming, in both classroom settings and throughout various areas on the show floor like the Innovation Showcase and Theater, the Business Solutions Theater, the Sustainability and ESG Hub, the ISSA Experience Hub, and the CleanMeet Zone. The conference agenda spanned numerous tracks: Business Growth; Cleaning Insights; Distributor; ISSA VEO; ESG and Sustainability; Facility Operations and Maintenance; Leadership, Career and Talent Development; Marketing Strategies; and Residential, Technology & Innovation.  The educational options also included workshops offering hands-on training in skills such as hard floor care and certifications for environmental services staff, trainers, and other industry professionals.

“The energy and optimism throughout the show floor was truly remarkable,” said Ed Nichols, Show Director of ISSA Show North America. “While our industry stands at a pivotal moment of evolution and transformation in the global landscape, our community continues to come together with determination and a collaborative spirit. We are actively driving change, finding innovative ways to unite and deliver exceptional results in a sector that is fundamental to how our societies and communities thrive and function every day.”

To support the next generation of the workforce, ISSA Show North America hosted the first-ever Global Collegiate Sales Competition, bringing in students from 10 universities across the country to participate in real-life role play and speed selling in front of the world’s biggest cleaning brands. For the role-play selling category, Emily Grimaldi of Virginia Tech took home first place, while Lucy Lyons of Ball State University received second place, and Kelly Mollenauer of Virginia Tech was named third place winner. For the speed selling category, Kaylie Cerda of Texas A&M took home first place, Ellie Swain of Virginia Tech was awarded second place, and Leah Im of UNLV was named third place winner.

Additional events

ISSA Spotlight Event and Awards: Show partner ISSA, The Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions, presented its annual award program to recognize cleaning and facility solutions professionals who are driving the industry forward through positive contributions in their businesses and beyond.

The 2025 Achievement Awards and recipients were:

• ISSA Honorary Lifetime Achievement Award: Charles Wax, former President & CEO, WAXIE Sanitary Supply.
• Jack D. Ramaley Industry Distinguished Service Award: Kathleen Albertson, Client Relations Manager, GDI Services Inc.
• Manufacturer Representatives’ Distinguished Service Award: John Riches, President, Riches Associates.
• ISSA Rising Star Award in Honor of Jimmy Core: Donnell Hines, Regional Operations Manager, Integrity National Corp.
• ISSA Trainer of the Year Award Honoring Marion Ivey: Bill McGarvey, Director of Training & Sustainability, Imperial Dade.

Industry Leaders Roundtable: The panel gave attendees a 360-view of the state of the industry and trends in the industry, along with the biggest challenges and legislation impacting the cleaning industry today.

ISSA Housekeeping Olympics: This internationally recognized competition hosted by the Indoor Environmental Healthcare & Hospitality Association (IEHA), a Division of ISSA, highlighted and celebrated the frontline workers in hospitality and healthcare.

The overall winners were:

• 1^st place: Aria Las Vegas Hotel/Vdara Hotel & Spa Las Vegas
• 2^nd place: Resorts World Las Vegas
• 3^rd place: Staples Business

Innovation Experience: The ISSA Show Innovative Leaders Award Program highlighted the industry’s latest innovations in the global cleaning industry. Participating exhibitors showcased products and technologies that have made an impact in the commercial, institution, and residential cleaning community. 

Ongoing engagement and progress

ISSA leaders praised the energy and results of the show.

“This week, we saw incredible momentum,” said Kim Althoff, Executive Director of ISSA. “There is a real appetite for knowledge and innovation that keeps driving us forward. Our industry continues to push boundaries, share insights and build on each other’s successes as cleaning and facility solutions remain essential and vital to all across the world.”

ISSA Show North America will return Nov. 17-19, 2026, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. To stay up to date with show announcements, please visit issashow.com.