Nearly a third of workers face layoffs as Rotterdam climate center faces bankruptcy risk
The Global Center on Adaptation (GCA) is at risk of closing, with at least 20 of its 65 employees facing potential layoffs, after the Netherlands and the United Kingdom withdrew funding, NOS reports.
Only 4 million dollars in funding is pledged for this year, compared with more than five times that amount in 2024, leaving the center struggling to cover its 6 million-dollar annual budget.
Director Patrick Verkooijen announced his resignation Tuesday, and former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, a long-time public face of the center, is also stepping down. Verkooijen will be succeeded by Ameenah Gurib Fakim, former president of Mauritius, and Rindra Rabarinirinarison, former finance minister of Madagascar.
Many employees are international hires whose Dutch work visas depend on their employment with GCA. Internal documents note that while the center recognizes employees may need visa support, it lacks the resources to provide it, NOS reported. Discussions are reportedly underway with the Dutch labor office (UWV) about potential forced layoffs.
Founded nearly a decade ago, GCA provides support to African nations for climate adaptation. Prominent figures connected to the center include former Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende and executive Feike Sijbesma. Ban Ki-moon and Microsoft founder Bill Gates played key roles in its creation, and high-level Dutch officials, including King Willem-Alexander and former Prime Minister Mark Rutte, have participated in its events.
The center’s reputation has faced criticism. Reports indicate that GCA overstated achievements to secure subsidies and experienced frequent staff departures due to a difficult work environment.
Rotterdam, which secured GCA with a floating office until at least 2030, could lose the organization entirely. Plans for the Kenyan headquarters have been delayed due to GCA’s financial constraints.
