On the Occasion of the New Year, UN Secretary-General Calls for Investing in Peace and Combating Poverty
El Gisr – Exclusive
On the occasion of the New Year, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a message calling on leaders everywhere to act with seriousness and to prioritize people and the planet over suffering. He emphasized that our future depends on collectively having the courage to act for justice, humanity, and peace.
In his message, the Secretary-General stated: “As we enter a new year, the world stands at a crossroads. Around us is chaos and uncertainty: here division, there violence, this climate collapse, that systematic violation of international law. Regression has become widespread against the principles that unite us as a human family.”
Guterres highlighted that people everywhere are asking: “Is there any leader who is listening? Are they ready to take action?”
Reflecting on the turbulent year behind us, he pointed out a stark reality: “Global military spending has risen to $2.7 trillion, an increase of nearly 10 percent. This exceeds total development aid by thirteen times and equals the entire GDP of Africa.”
He noted that this comes at a time when conflicts are raging at a level unseen since World War II. In marking the New Year, he urged a reordering of global priorities, stressing that for a safer world, investment must shift from war toward combating poverty. “Peace must prevail,” he declared.
Guterres concluded that it is clear the world has the resources needed to improve living conditions, protect the planet, and secure a future founded on peace and justice.
