UN Chief Urges Shift from Military Spending to Poverty Alleviation

The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has called for a significant shift in global priorities, advocating for investments in poverty alleviation over military expenditures. On September 9, 2023, Guterres highlighted that the current trajectory of military spending, which reached a record USD 2.7 trillion last year, detracts from essential funding for health, education, and job creation.

In a report titled “The Security We Need: Rebalancing Military Spending for a Sustainable and Peaceful Future,” Guterres pointed to evidence suggesting that increased military budgets do not guarantee peace. Instead, they often fuel arms races and deepen mistrust among nations. As military spending continues to surge, it is projected to hit USD 6.6 trillion by 2035 if current trends persist.

The report will be a focal point at the upcoming General Assembly, where world leaders will convene starting on September 22. The discussion will center on the impact of military expenditures on the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, which include eradicating global hunger, ensuring quality education, and promoting health equity.

Guterres emphasized the urgent need to recalibrate global budgets. He stated, “A more secure world begins by investing at least as much in fighting poverty as we do in fighting wars.” The UN chief underscored that redirecting even a fraction of current military spending could significantly enhance developmental initiatives.

For instance, the report reveals that less than 4 percent of military spending, which amounts to only USD 93 million, is needed annually to eradicate hunger by 2030. Furthermore, a total of USD 5 trillion could provide 12 years of quality education for every child in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

Job creation is another critical area affected by spending choices. The report indicates that USD 1 billion allocated to military spending generates approximately 11,200 jobs. In contrast, the same investment in education can create around 26,700 jobs, 16,800 in clean energy, and 17,200 in healthcare.

UN disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu reinforced the notion that rebalancing global priorities is crucial for humanity’s survival. She stated that “rebalancing global priorities is not optional – it is an imperative for humanity’s survival.” Haoliang Xu, the acting administrator of the UN Development Program, echoed this sentiment, noting that development is essential for maintaining international peace and security.

“When people live healthy, educated, and fulfilling lives in dignity, their societies are often more peaceful,” Xu explained. Conversely, societies plagued by poverty and underdevelopment frequently face insecurity and violent conflicts.

During a press briefing, Nakamitsu addressed the challenge of persuading nations to reduce military spending in favor of improving living conditions for over 8 billion people globally. She acknowledged that there is no single solution but emphasized the importance of initiating a serious conversation among the UN’s 193 member nations. The goal is to rethink how global security can be achieved through increased investment in development and economic growth.

Guterres’s report serves as a crucial reminder of the need to prioritize human welfare over military might, urging the international community to reconsider its spending habits as a pathway toward a more secure and peaceful future.