United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep concern over the sharp rise in global military spending, highlighting that current expenditure is now about thirteen times higher than funds allocated to development aid.
According to Guterres, military spending in 2025 is estimated at approximately $2.7 trillion, a figure equivalent to the entire Gross Domestic Product of Africa.
The UN chief warned that the world is at a critical crossroads, shaped by escalating conflicts, growing divisions among nations, and the accelerating impacts of climate change.
Speaking on the implications of these spending patterns, Guterres stressed that building a safer and more stable world requires prioritising investment in human development and poverty alleviation rather than the pursuit of warfare.
“Resources spent on military build-up could instead address urgent global challenges, including poverty, inequality, and climate crises,” he said. Looking ahead to 2026, the Secretary-General called on world leaders to adopt people-centred policy and spending decisions, emphasising that choices made today will determine the security, sustainability, and wellbeing of future generations.
Guterres’ remarks come amid growing international concern that excessive military expenditure undermines global development objectives and diverts critical resources from initiatives that directly improve the lives of billions worldwide.
He concluded by urging countries to reassess priorities, invest in cooperative solutions, and reinforce multilateralism as the most effective path to sustainable peace and prosperity.
