As we step into a new year, the world finds itself at a critical crossroads. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, recently painted a stark picture of our current global reality, describing it as a time of “chaos and uncertainty,” marked by division, violence, climate breakdown, and widespread disregard for international law. It’s a sobering message, but one delivered with a clear plea for change.
In his New Year’s address, Guterres didn’t mince words, urging global leaders to get serious and make a crucial choice: “Choose people and planet over pain.” With conflicts raging from Ukraine to other corners of the world, and climate change continuing its relentless march, the call to ease human suffering and tackle environmental crises has never been more urgent. He emphasized that in 2026, world leaders *must* prioritize these pressing issues.
He highlighted a shocking imbalance that reveals our misplaced priorities: global military spending soared to nearly $2.7 trillion this year. This staggering figure not only represents a 10% increase but also dwarfs total world spending on development aid by a staggering 13 times. To put it into perspective, it’s equivalent to the entire gross domestic product of Africa. These massive military investments are made even as wars rage at levels not seen since World War II.
But Guterres’s message is ultimately one of hope and resolve. He believes that a safer world is within our grasp if we simply reorder our priorities. “In 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 declared. As Guterres heads into his final year as Secretary-General, his powerful message serves as a vital reminder to leaders and citizens alike: it’s time to build a future where humanity and our planet come first.
Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/un-chief-says-get-serious-in-grim-new-year-message-5753621
