UN Report Sounds Alarm: record Military Spending Undermines Global Development & Peace
NEW YORK – A new report from the United Nations warns that escalating global military expenditure – reaching a staggering $2.7 trillion – is directly hindering progress towards sustainable development goals and jeopardizing international peace. The report, requested by UN member States as a key outcome of the recent Summit of the Future and outlined in the Pact for the Future, makes a forceful case for a fundamental shift in global priorities, advocating for increased diplomacy, international cooperation, and a significant reinvestment of military funds into vital social and environmental programs.
The report highlights the stark contrast between military spending and the relatively modest investments needed to address critical global challenges. It notes that less than four percent of current military spending – approximately $93 billion annually – could eradicate hunger by 2030. A slightly larger investment, just over 10 percent ($285 billion), would be sufficient to fully vaccinate every child worldwide.Furthermore, $5 trillion could finance 12 years of quality education for all children in low- and lower-middle-income countries.
beyond the direct impact on development, the report underscores the economic inefficiencies of military spending. It points out that $1 billion invested in the military creates approximately 11,200 jobs, while the same amount allocated to education could generate 26,700 jobs, clean energy 16,800, and healthcare 17,200.
the environmental consequences of military spending are also flagged as a major concern. Reallocating just 15 percent, or $387 billion, of global military expenditure could cover the annual costs of climate change adaptation in developing countries. The report also estimates that each dollar spent on the military produces more than twice the greenhouse gas emissions of a dollar invested in civilian sectors.
The Secretary-General’s report was compiled through extensive consultations with UN Member States, specialized UN entities, research institutions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. It emphasizes that rising military spending directly contradicts the core principles of the United Nations Charter, specifically article 26, which mandates the UN Security council to promote international peace and security ”with the least diversion for armaments of the world’s human and economic resources.”
The report serves as a critical call to action, urging a recalibration of global security and development strategies to prioritize peaceful conflict resolution and sustainable investment in a more equitable and secure future.
Access the full report here: https://www.un.org/en/peace-and-security/the-true-cost-of-peace
Learn more about Article 26 of the UN Charter: https://legal.un.org/repertory/art26.shtml
