In brief
At a UN briefing, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that skyrocketing military expenditures are hindering vital investments in essential sectors such as education and healthcare. He highlighted a UN report that reveals military spending projected to rise to $6.6 trillion by 2035, suggesting that redirecting even a fraction of these funds toward social development could significantly enhance global stability and security. Guterres stressed the importance of prioritizing development to reduce poverty and ultimately foster peace.
UNITED NATIONS — Soaring military expenditures across the globe are diverting crucial resources from health, education, and job creation, undermining the chances for lasting peace, warned Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at a recent UN press event.
Guterres pointed out that despite their intended purpose, excessive military spending often fuels arms races and deepens distrust among nations. In a report titled “The Security We Need: Rebalancing Military Spending for a Sustainable and Peaceful Future,” he urged that heavy investments in military capabilities don’t guarantee security.
As military spending surged to a staggering $2.7 trillion, the UN aims to address its impact on developmental goals set for 2030 during the upcoming General Assembly meeting starting on Sept. 22. According to Guterres, only 35% of these goals, which include eradicating hunger and promoting quality education, are currently on track.
“Redirecting even a fraction of military spending could close vital gaps,” Guterres said, advocating for a realignment of the global budget to prioritize basic human needs.
The report also highlighted that just $93 million yearly — less than 4% of last year’s military spend — would be required to end global hunger by 2030. Conversely, the societal costs of failing to invest in education and health can exacerbate poverty and conflict, ultimately undermining global peace.
U.N. disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu echoed these sentiments, urging nations to rethink global security priorities, indicating that investment in development is essential for maintaining international peace and security. “Development paves the way for stability and can prevent conflicts,” she stated.
The UN is mobilizing discussions among its 193 member nations, imploring them to reassess how they allocate resources in a bid to secure a better and more peaceful future for the world’s population.
