UN Chief: World Faces Most Conflicts Since 1945 Amid Rising Military Spending

The world is experiencing its most intense period of conflict since 1945, according to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. Speaking at a UN Security Council debate, Guterres highlighted a surge in the scale and complexity of violence across regions including the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan. This global instability is driving military expenditures to unprecedented levels, even as vital humanitarian aid faces reductions.

Guterres specifically urged all parties to prevent further escalation of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He also denounced what he described as "constant cease-fire violations in Gaza" and characterized the negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at resolving the Middle East conflict as "unpredictable."

The proliferation of wars has fueled a "race armament" characterized by external interference and the supply of weapons, including drones. Guterres expressed concern over the rapid evolution of new technologies like artificial intelligence and autonomous weapons, warning of their destabilizing potential. He asserted that the principles of the UN Charter are under severe strain, with human rights facing widespread attacks and impunity growing.

Emphasizing the UN's core mission of conflict prevention and peace maintenance, Guterres called for significantly increased investment in preemptive measures. He advocated for good-faith negotiation and mediation, while also pointing out that international institutions, particularly the UN Security Council, do not reflect current geopolitical realities, calling the lack of permanent African representation a "historical injustice." He urged member states to uphold international law and refrain from using force against the territorial integrity and political independence of other nations.