UN Chief Urges: Choose Peace Over War in 2026—Guterres Calls for Global Action!
António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN), has asked world leaders to “get serious” and choose people and the planet over pain and war as the world enters 2026.
In his New Year message from Washington, D.C. on Monday, December 29, 2025, Mr. Guterres said that the world is at a crossroads, surrounded by chaos and uncertainty caused by violence, climate change, and systemic violations of international law.
He said that these trends were “a retreat from the very principles that bind us together as one human family.”
The Secretary-General says that people all over the world are wondering if their leaders are really listening and ready to do something. He said that one thing speaks louder than words as the world turns the page to 2026.
Military spending around the world has risen by almost 10% to $2.7 trillion. This number is thirteen times higher than all of the world’s development aid and is equal to Africa’s entire Gross Domestic Product, even though wars are going on at levels not seen since World War II.
Mr. Guterres told leaders to rethink their priorities in the new year. He said that a safer world starts with spending less on wars and more on fighting poverty. He said, “Peace must win.”
He stressed that the world already has the tools it needs to improve lives, heal the planet, and ensure a future based on peace and justice. He called on both leaders and citizens to do their part.
The Secretary-General said again, “Our future depends on our collective courage to act.” “Let’s stand up for justice, humanity, and peace this new year.”
