GENEVA - Intensifying global trade tensions are taking a toll on labor markets across the world, Gilbert F. Houngbo, director-general of the International Labour Organization (ILO), said here on Monday.

Speaking at the opening of the 113th International Labour Conference, Houngbo said that global employment projections for 2025 have been revised downward, citing the ILO's latest World Employment and Social Outlook report.

According to the report, the number of new jobs expected to be created worldwide has been adjusted to 53 million, 7 million fewer than the forecast made in October last year. Houngbo attributed the downgrade primarily to slower global economic growth amid mounting trade tensions.

Houngbo also underscored the growing impact of artificial intelligence on global labor markets, noting that highly digitalized professions - such as media, software development and finance - are facing rising risks, while jobs involving repetitive manual tasks are becoming increasingly vulnerable.

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This year's International Labour Conference will run through June 13, with delegates from the ILO's 187 member states focusing on issues including the prevention of biological hazards, decent work, and proposed amendments to the Maritime Labour Convention.