By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN head António Guterres on Monday has issued a stark but hopeful New Year appeal urged global leaders to shift resources away from destruction and towards development, peace and wellbeing of people as the world enters 2026 after a growing crisis.
He said “The world stands at a crossroads,” and warned that conflict, climate breakdown and systemic violations of international law are eroding trust in leadership worldwide.
“People everywhere are asking: Are leaders even listening? Are they ready to act?” he said.
Mr. Guterres underscored the scale of global suffering, noting that more than a quarter of humanity now lives in conflict-affected areas.
He added that over 200 million people require humanitarian assistance, 120 million have been forcibly displaced by war, crises, disasters or persecution.
Guterres pointed out 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 soared to $2.7 trillion,” he said almost 10 % higher than last year.
He stressed that the figure is 13 times higher than total global development aid and equivalent to the entire gross domestic product of the African continent. If current trends continue, military spending could over than double to $6.6 trillion by 2035, even as humanitarian needs continue to rise.
SG underscored that solutions are within reach despite the grim statistics.
He launched the report The Security We Need: Rebalancing Military Spending for a Sustainable and Peaceful Future this September.
The report showed how relatively small shifts in spending could deliver transformative results.
It sound that less than 4% of current military expenditure could end world hunger by 2030, over 10% could fully vaccinate every child. Redirecting 15 per cent would more than cover the annual cost of climate adaptation in developing countries.
“It’s clear the world has the resources to lift lives, heal the planet, and secure a future of peace and justice,” Mr. Guterres said.
He had a direct message for global leaders .
Guterres urged “On this New Year, let’s resolve to get our priorities straight. A safer world begins by investing more in fighting poverty and less in fighting wars. Peace must prevail.”
He added “Play your part. Our future depends on our collective courage to act.”
Guterres concluded “In 2026 “I call on leaders everywhere: Get serious. Choose people and planet over pain. Let’s rise together – for justice, for humanity, for peace.”
