United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has issued a strong appeal to world leaders ahead of the New Year, urging them to invest in fighting poverty rather than in weapons, as global conflicts reach levels not seen since World War II.
“Take it seriously,” Guterres said in his New Year message, warning that global military spending has surged to $2.7 trillion, an increase of nearly 10 percent.
“This amount is thirteen times higher than total development aid and is equivalent to the entire gross domestic product of Africa,” Guterres stressed, noting that this rise comes at a time when conflicts are escalating worldwide at unprecedented levels.
Calling for a shift in global priorities, the UN chief said: “As we turn the page on a turbulent year, it is time to clarify our priorities. A safer world begins with investing more in ending poverty and less in waging wars. Peace must prevail.”
Guterres urged leaders across the globe to choose people and the planet over suffering, emphasizing that the future depends on collective courage and action.
“I call on all those who hear this message: play your part. Our future depends on our shared determination to act,” he said.
In closing his New Year address, Guterres added: “This New Year, let us rise together – for justice, for humanity, and for peace.”
