【UN Secretary-General delivers New Year's address, "The world is at a crossroads"]
New York time December 29, 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said in his New Year's address:
To create a safer world, we need more investment in poverty reduction and reducing war. Peace must be achieved. Obviously, the global society has the resources to improve the quality of life, make the Earth healthier, and ensure a peaceful and just future. In 2026, I call on global leaders to take things seriously. Choose people and the Earth, not suffering.
Guterres added:
The world is at a crossroads, surrounded by chaos, uncertainty, division, violence, climate disasters, and systemic violations of international law. As we prepare to turn the page on this turbulent year, one fact speaks louder than any words: global military spending has soared to $2.7 trillion, up nearly 10%. This is 13 times the total amount of development aid and equivalent to the GDP of Africa. All of this is taking place against the backdrop of intense conflicts unseen since World War II. In the new year, let us decide on the right priorities.
Guterres concluded:
In the new year, let us work together. In the name of justice, in the name of humanity, in the name of peace!
Original: toutiao.com/article/1852852576905284/
Statement: The article represents the views of the author himself