UN – The UN Secretary-General urges world leaders to "re-prioritize," New Year's message calls for peace instead of war. As the world enters 2026 amidst escalating crises, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, issued a stark but hopeful New Year's call, 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 eroding trust in leadership around the globe. “People everywhere are asking: Are leaders even listening? Are they willing to act?” he said.

Mr. Guterres highlighted the extent of global suffering, noting that more than a quarter of humanity now lives in areas affected by conflict. More than 200 million people need 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 surged to $2.7 trillion,” he said, which is nearly 10 percent more than the previous year.

He emphasized that this figure is 13 times higher than total global development aid and equals 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. A Path to Hope Despite the grim statistics, the Secretary-General underscored that solutions are within reach.

In September 2025, he released the report, "Security We Need: Balancing Military Spending for a Sustainable and Peaceful Future." The report shows how relatively small shifts in spending can bring transformative results.

The report states that less than 4 percent of current military spending could end world hunger by 2030, while just over 10 percent could fully vaccinate every child. Redirecting 15 percent could more than cover the annual cost of adapting to climate change 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 re-prioritize. A safer world begins with greater investments in fighting poverty and fewer investments in fighting wars. Peace must prevail,” he urged.

Addressing people around the world, he added: “Play your part. Our future depends on our collective courage to act. In 2026,” he concluded, “I urge leaders around the world: Take this seriously. Choose people and planet over pain. Let us rise together – for justice, for humanity, for peace.”

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