January 1, 2026 | 10:46 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - As the world welcomes the new year 2026, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged world leaders to prioritize peace and justice.
In a message received by Tempo on Wednesday, December 31, Guterres reminded the world that it is at a crossroads with chaos and uncertainty enveloping the global population.
"Division. Violence. Climate breakdown. And systemic violations of international law. A retreat from the very principles that bind us together as a human family," said the Portuguese diplomat.
"People everywhere are asking: Are leaders even listening? Are they ready to act."
The 76-year-old Guterres emphasized that as the turbulent year comes to a close, there is an undeniable fact that global military spending has surged to $2.7 trillion, increasing by nearly 10 percent.
According to Guterres, this amount is thirteen times larger than the total development aid and equivalent to the entire Gross Domestic Product in Africa.
At the same time, armed conflicts continue to ravage, reaching levels not seen since World War II.
"On this new year, let’s resolve to get our priorities straight. A safer world begins by investing more in fighting poverty and less in fighting wars. Peace must prevail," said the former President of the European Council.
He stated that the world has sufficient resources to enhance prosperity, restore the planet, and ensure a fair and peaceful future.
"In 2026, I call on leaders everywhere: Get serious. Choose people and planet over pain," Guterres asserted.
He also conveyed a message to everyone worldwide. "Play your part. Our future depends on our collective courage to act. This new year, let’s rise together: For justice. For humanity. For peace."
Read: Putin and Xi Vow Deeper Russia-China Ties for 2026
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