Global military spending soared to a staggering $2.7 trillion in 2024—a more than 9% increase from the previous year, marking the sharpest annual rise since the Cold War and the tenth consecutive year of growth.
A new report citing the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) noted that expenditures are reaching unprecedented levels, fueling a new arms race and placing mounting pressure on national budgets and policy priorities. global military spending
This surge in military investment comes at a time of rising global insecurity and faltering progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—the world’s collective roadmap toward a more just, equitable, and sustainable future. global military spending
In response, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has released a new report:
The Security We Need: Rebalancing Military Spending for a Sustainable and Peaceful Future.
The report delivers a sobering projection: if current trends continue, global military spending could reach $4.7 to $6.6 trillion by 2035. global military spending
Global military spending reached a record high of $2.7 trillion in 2024.
The choice is stark: continue to fund militaries or invest in sustainable development to build a truly secure future. pic.twitter.com/4MW6I0ITQe
— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) September 9, 2025
At the upper end, that would be nearly five times the level recorded at the end of the Cold War, and more than double the 2024 figure.
Such a trajectory presents a grave risk to humanity’s future—diverting critical resources away from sustainable development, peacebuilding, and the well-being of future generations.
Military budgets are increasing across all regions, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and perceived security threats.
But does greater military spending equate to greater security?
According to the Secretary-General’s report, the answer is no.
Trump, Putin to discuss end to Ukraine war as world awaits outcome
Excessive militarization often triggers arms races, erodes trust among nations, and further destabilizes the international order.
Commissioned by UN Member States as part of the 2024 Pact for the Future, the report explores the difficult trade-offs posed by spiraling defense expenditures.
It presents a compelling case for redirecting investments toward peace, resilience, and shared prosperity.
The report advocates for a human-centered, multidimensional approach to security—one that prioritizes diplomacy, international cooperation, sustainable development, and disarmament over growing military stockpiles.
“A more secure world begins by investing at least as much in fighting poverty as we do in fighting wars,” said Mr. Guterres.
Western nations urge end to Gaza war amid rising Palestinian deaths in Israeli firing near aid sites
The alarming amount spent on arms-related costs last year alone is 750 times the 2024 UN regular budget. It also equates to almost 13 times the development assistance provided by the OECD’s development assistance committee in 2024, indicating a stark trade-off between military expenditure and sustainable development.
“Redirecting even a fraction of today’s military spending could close vital gaps – putting children in school, strengthening primary health care, expanding clean energy and resilient infrastructure, and protecting the most vulnerable,” Guterres said.
For a small portion of what was invested in militaries this past year – and the previous decade – the world could fund education for every student in low and lower middle-income countries, eliminate child malnutrition globally, fund climate change adaptation in the developing world, and bring the international community closer to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN estimates.
“Rebalancing global priorities is not optional – it is an imperative for humanity’s survival,” said the UN disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu at the press briefing.
Follow for more: Twitter (X) | Facebook | Instagram | LinkeIn
Iftikhar Ali is a veteran Pakistani journalist, former president of UN Correspondents Association, and a recipient of the Pride of Performance civil award
