Background on Key Figures and Concepts
The global military expenditure reached a record high of $2.4 trillion in 2024, equivalent to 2.5% of the world’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This significant investment in defense, according to the United Nations (UN), highlights a growing political interest in prioritizing defense over essential aspects needed to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN asserts that just 4% of this military spending could eradicate world hunger by 2030.
António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the UN, advocates for prioritizing diplomacy and cooperation instead of excessive military spending. He argues that increased defense expenditures often fuel arms races, heighten mistrust, and divert crucial resources needed for global stability.
Key Investment Opportunities
- $93 billion: Eliminate global hunger
- $285 billion: Ensure all children receive necessary vaccinations
- $5 trillion: Provide quality education for children in middle- and low-income countries
The UN also emphasizes the labor benefits of reallocating funds. For instance, $1 billion invested in defense creates 11,200 jobs. The same amount redirected to education would generate 267,700 positions; healthcare, 17,200 jobs; and clean energy, 16,800 positions.
Current State of SDGs and Military Spending
The SDGs are currently underfunded by approximately $4 trillion, with projections suggesting a shortfall of $6.4 trillion in the near future. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) estimates that if the current defense spending trend continues, global military expenditure could reach $6.6 trillion by 2035—triple the amount at the end of the Cold War.
Call for a New Security Perspective
Izumi Nakamitsu, the UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, urges for a new security vision centered on people and grounded in the UN Charter. This perspective should prioritize protecting individuals, promoting equity, and ensuring planetary sustainability to ultimately secure humanity’s survival.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: What is the current global military expenditure?
- A: In 2024, it reached a record high of $2.4 trillion.
- Q: How much of this spending is needed to end world hunger by 2030?
- A: Just 4% of the global military spending, equivalent to $93 billion annually.
- Q: What other global issues could be addressed with a reallocation of military funds?
- A: Ensuring all children receive necessary vaccinations, providing quality education for children in middle- and low-income countries, creating jobs in education, healthcare, and clean energy sectors.
- Q: How are the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) currently funded?
- A: The SDGs are underfunded by around $4 trillion, with projections indicating a shortfall of $6.4 trillion in the near future.
- Q: What is the UN’s stance on current military spending trends?
- A: The UN, led by Secretary-General António Guterres, advocates for prioritizing diplomacy and cooperation over excessive military spending, which often fuels arms races and diverts resources needed for global stability.
