FILE PHOTO: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at a press conference at the United Nations complex in Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya May 3, 2023. REUTERS/Thomas Mukoya/File Photo
In 2024, global military expenditure skyrocketed to an all-time high of $2.7 trillion, driven by escalating conflicts and geopolitical tensions, according to a new report highlighted by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Speaking at a press briefing, Guterres emphasized the imbalance in global priorities, stating, “The world is spending far more on waging war than in building peace.”
The report reveals that military spending surged across all five global regions, marking the sharpest annual increase in over 30 years.
The $2.7 trillion allocated to militaries dwarfs other critical investments. For context, eradicating extreme poverty globally would require just $300 billion—less than one-eighth of the military budget.
“A more secure world begins by investing at least as much in fighting poverty as we do in fighting wars,” Guterres urged.
The report underscores stark trade-offs: the 2024 military expenditure is 750 times the UN’s regular budget and nearly 13 times the development aid provided by the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee. Redirecting even a small portion of these funds could transform lives.
“For a fraction of what was spent on arms last year, we could ensure education for every child in low- and middle-income countries, end child malnutrition, bolster climate resilience, and advance the Sustainable Development Goals,” Guterres noted.
The UN warns that excessive military spending fuels a vicious cycle, where poverty and underdevelopment breed instability, prompting further arms investments. “Investing in people is investing in the first line of defense against violence in any society,” Guterres added.
UN Disarmament Chief Izumi Nakamitsu echoed this concern, highlighting that ballooning military budgets exacerbate arms races and erode trust, diverting resources from education, healthcare, and environmental protection.
“Rebalancing global priorities is not optional—it is an imperative for humanity’s survival,” she declared.
Haoliang Xu, UNDP Deputy Chief, emphasized the link between development and security, stating, “When people have access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, we build more peaceful societies and a more peaceful world.”
The report advocates for a human-centered approach, prioritizing diplomacy and sustainable development to break the cycle of violence and reduce reliance on military spending. (NAN)
