“The world stands at a crossroads,” he said, warning that conflict, climate breakdown and systemic violations of international law are eroding trust in leaders around the world.
“People everywhere are asking: Are leaders listening? Are they ready to act?” he said.
Mr. Guterres highlighted the scale of global suffering, noting that more than a quarter of humanity now lives in conflict-affected areas. On 200 million people need humanitarian aid, while almost 120 million have been forcibly displaced by war, crises, disasters or persecution.
In this context, he highlighted what he described as a deep imbalance in global priorities.
“As we turn the page on a turbulent year, one fact speaks louder than words: global military spending soared to $2.7 trillion“, he said, almost 10 percent more than the previous year.
This figure, he pointed out, is 13 times greater than total global development assistance and equivalent 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 rise.
A path to hope
Despite these grim statistics, the Secretary-General stressed that solutions are within reach.
In September 2025, he launches the report The security we need: rebalancing military spending for a sustainable and peaceful future. The report shows how relatively modest changes in spending could produce transformative results.
Less than 4% of current military spending could end world hunger by 2030, while just over 10% could fully vaccinate all children. Redirecting 15 percent would more than cover the annual cost of climate adaptation in developing countries.
“It is clear that the world has the resources to save lives, heal the planet and ensure a future of peace and justice,” Mr. Guterres said.
Call to action
Looking ahead, he sent a direct message to leaders around the world.
“In this new year, let us resolve to clarify our priorities. A safer world begins by investing more in the fight against poverty and less in war. 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 call on world leaders: get serious. Choose people and planet over pain. Let’s stand up together – for justice, for humanity, for peace.”
Originally published at Almouwatin.com
