UN – UN Secretary-General urges world leaders to „clarify priorities“, New Year's message calls for peace instead of war As the world enters 2026 amid mounting crises, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a stark but hopeful New Year's appeal, urging world leaders to shift resources from destruction to development, peace and people.
„The world is at a crossroads,“ he said, warning that conflicts, climate change and systemic violations of international law are undermining trust in leadership around the world. „People everywhere are asking: Are leaders even listening? Are they prepared to act?“ he said.
Mr Guterres highlighted the extent of global suffering, noting that more than a quarter of humanity now lives in conflict-affected areas. More than 200 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, while nearly 120 million have been forcibly displaced by war, crises, disasters or persecution. In this context, he pointed to what he described as a profound imbalance in global priorities.
„As we turn the page on a turbulent year, one fact speaks louder than words: global military spending has risen sharply to $2.7 trillion,“ he said, which is nearly 10 per cent more than the previous year.
He emphasised that this figure is 13 times higher than total global development aid and corresponds to the entire gross domestic product (GDP) of the African continent. If current trends continue, military spending could more than double to $6.6 trillion by 2035, even as humanitarian needs continue to grow.
The road to hope Despite the grim statistics, the Secretary-General emphasised that solutions are within reach.
In September 2025, it published a report entitled The Security We Need: Balancing Military Spending for a Sustainable and Peaceful Future. The report shows how relatively small changes in spending can bring transformative results.
The report states that less than four per cent of current military spending could end world hunger by 2030, while just over 10 per cent could fully vaccinate every child. Redirecting 15 per cent would more than cover the annual cost of climate change adaptation in developing countries.
„It is clear that the world has the resources to improve lives, heal the planet and secure a future of peace and justice,“ said Mr Guterres. Looking ahead, he had a direct message for leaders around the world. „In this new year, let us resolve to set our priorities straight. A safer world begins with greater investment in fighting poverty and less investment in fighting wars. Peace must prevail,“ he urged.
He addressed people around the world, adding: „Play your part. Our future depends on our collective courage to act. In 2026,“ he concluded, „I call on leaders around the world: Take this seriously. Choose people and the planet over pain. Let us rise together — for justice, for humanity, for peace.“
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