Overview
- He says global military spending reached $2.7 trillion in 2025, up nearly 10 percent, equal to Africa’s entire GDP and 13 times development aid.
- He warns conflicts are at levels unseen since World War II and calls on leaders to "get serious" and prioritize people and planet.
- The message echoes a UN report arguing that less than 4 percent of current defense outlays could end hunger by 2030, and just over 10 percent could fully vaccinate every child.
- The report also estimates that redirecting 15 percent of military budgets would more than cover annual climate adaptation costs in developing countries.
- No new policy pledges were announced, though the appeal comes as Guterres enters his final year in office and seeks to refocus priorities for 2026.