United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the world is at a critical juncture, calling on global leaders to shift priorities from warfare to peace as military spending rises to unprecedented levels.
In his New Year video address, Guterres said the international community is facing mounting chaos and uncertainty, driven by widening divisions, escalating violence, climate breakdown and persistent breaches of international law.
“The world stands at a crossroads,” the UN chief said, noting that many people are increasingly questioning whether political leaders are listening or prepared to act in response to intensifying global challenges.
Guterres disclosed that global military expenditure has climbed to an estimated 2.7 trillion dollars, representing an increase of nearly 10 per cent. He noted that the figure is about 13 times higher than total global development assistance and roughly equivalent to the entire Gross Domestic Product of Africa.
He described the trend as deeply troubling, particularly at a time when conflicts are raging at levels not seen since the Second World War, while millions of people continue to grapple with poverty, inequality and the worsening impacts of climate change.
Calling for a fundamental shift in global priorities, the Secretary-General stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through greater investment in human development rather than armed conflict. “A safer world begins by investing more in fighting poverty and less in fighting wars,” he said.
Guterres maintained that the world has sufficient resources to raise living standards, protect the planet and build a future anchored on peace and justice, provided there is the political will to act.
Looking ahead to 2026, he urged leaders worldwide to make bold decisions that place people and the environment above conflict and suffering. He also appealed to citizens across the globe to play their part in driving positive change.
“Our future depends on our collective courage to act,” Guterres said, calling for renewed global unity in the pursuit of justice, humanity and peace in the new year.
