Guterres called on global leaders to redirect resources away from warfare and towards development, peace and people. “The world stands at a crossroads,” Guterres warned, arguing that conflict, climate breakdown and persistent violations of international law are eroding public trust in leadership worldwide.
He noted that more than a quarter of humanity now lives in conflict-affected areas, while over 200 million people require humanitarian assistance. Nearly 120 million people have been forcibly displaced by war, disasters, crises or persecution.
Against this backdrop, the Secretary-General highlighted what he described as a profound imbalance in global priorities. Global military spending has surged to $2.7 trillion, almost 10% higher than the previous year. That figure, he stressed, is 13 times higher than total global development aid and roughly equal to the entire gross domestic product of the African continent.
If current trends persist, military expenditure could rise to $6.6 trillion by 2035, even as humanitarian needs continue to escalate.
Despite the grim outlook, Guterres insisted that solutions remain within reach. He pointed to his September 2025 report, The Security We Need: Rebalancing Military Spending for a Sustainable and Peaceful Future, which outlines how relatively modest shifts in spending could deliver dramatic results.
According to the report, less than 4% of current global military expenditure could end world hunger by 2030, while just over 10% could fully vaccinate every child. Redirecting 15% would be sufficient to cover the annual cost of climate adaptation in developing countries. “It’s clear the world has the resources to lift lives, heal the planet and secure a future of peace and justice,” Guterres said.
Looking ahead, he urged leaders to make 2026 a turning point, calling for greater investment in poverty reduction and diplomacy rather than conflict. He also appealed directly to citizens worldwide to play an active role in shaping a more just and peaceful future. “In 2026, I call on leaders everywhere to choose people and planet over pain,” he said, urging collective action in the pursuit of justice, humanity and lasting peace.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
