“People everywhere are asking themselves: Are leaders listening? Are they ready to act?” said.
Guterres underlined the magnitude of global suffering, noting that more than a quarter of humanity now lives in conflict-affected areas. More than 200 million people need humanitarian assistance, while almost 120 million have been forcibly displaced by war, crisis, disaster or persecution.
In this context, he pointed out 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 has skyrocketed to $2.7 trillion,” he said, up nearly 10 percent from the previous year.
That figure, he stressed, is 13 times greater than total global development aid 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 the grim statistics, the Secretary-General stressed that solutions are within our reach.
In September 2025 it released the report. The security we need: rebalancing military spending for a sustainable and peaceful future. The report shows how relatively small changes in spending could generate transformative results.
Less than four percent of current military spending could end world hunger by 2030, while just over 10 percent 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 improve lives, heal the planet and ensure a future of peace and justice,” Guterres said.
Call to action
Looking ahead, he sent a direct message to leaders around the world.
“In this New Year, let us decide to clarify our priorities. A safer world begins by investing more in fighting poverty and less in fighting wars. Peace must prevail,” he urged.
Addressing people around the world, he added: “Do your part. Our future depends on our collective courage to act.”
“In 2026,” he concluded, “I call on leaders around the world: take it seriously. Choose people and planet over pain. Let us rise together: for justice, for humanity and for peace.”