UN Chief: spend less on arms, more on development

New Delhi | Desk: UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in his annual message for 2026, has strongly urged world leaders to cut military budgets and increase development aid. Describing the world as being engulfed in "chaos and uncertainty," he warned that global military spending has reached $2.7 trillion (an increase of approximately 10 percent), which is 13 times more than the total amount of development aid provided.

Guterres stated unequivocally that a secure world begins with investing in fighting poverty rather than waging wars.

This year's message was particularly significant for India, as for the first time in the history of the United Nations, the Secretary-General's message was also released in written form in Hindi. Hindi subtitles were also included in his video message.

This move is a result of the Indian government's efforts to promote Hindi at the United Nations. India has renewed the 'Hindi@UN Project' for the next five years, under which it will provide an annual contribution of $1.5 million.

Guterres, who is entering his final year in office, expressed concern over violations of international law and the climate crisis, and called on leaders to choose "people and the planet over pain."