24 February 2026 18:38 UTC · UN Secretary-General · UN SG Press Release · Source · Email X Link

UN Secretary-General urges revitalizing disarmament and arms control

Key points

Revitalize the Conference on Disarmament as a negotiating body
Cease nuclear arms race and prevent an arms race in outer space

TL;DR

António Guterres addressed the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva, saying international law principles are being violated and arms races are growing.
He stated global military spending reached $2.7 trillion and is 13 times more than all development aid, equivalent to the GDP of Africa.
He urged revitalizing the Conference on Disarmament as a negotiating body, pursuing binding arms control agreements, and preventing a nuclear arms race including in outer space.

Original text

Secretary-General Statements and Messages Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Conference on Disarmament, in Geneva today: We are living through a chaotic period of change. Fundamental principles of international law are being brazenly violated. The international order that defined security relations for nearly eight decades is shifting rapidly. The reckless use of force in many regions is fomenting mistrust. This, in turn, is providing fuel for new arms races. Indeed, the United Nations found last year that global military spending has soared to $2.7 trillion. That is 13 times more than all development aid, and equivalent to the entire gross domestic product (GDP) of Africa. In troubled times, frightened populations might easily find comfort in tough talk. This is not, however, the path towards true or lasting security. Disarmament is not a luxury to be enjoyed only in times of peace. It is a means for preventing war, restoring and building trust, and saving lives. On the other hand, disarmament upholds the principles of humanity, prevents global annihilation and it is not a utopian vision. It is a toolbox for pragmatic realists. Inside, it contains many types of measures: reductions and elimination, prohibitions, limitations, regulations, transparency, confidence-building. When backed by legal rules and effective verification, these tools can build stronger and more durable security than any State can achieve through the strength of arms alone. Just over two weeks ago, we witnessed the demise of the last bilateral strategic arms control agreement. I appreciate the commitment expressed by the Russian Federation and the United States to the continued pursuit of binding arms control agreements. Nuclear arms control has proven value. It has prevented catastrophe, built stable relations, halted the arms race and significantly brought down arsenals. Moving forward, we need to create a renewed international security architecture. This needs to be based on sober analysis of the international situation. And grounded in understanding of the benefits of cooperation and the risks of escalation. This Conference continues to have potential to play a crucial role in the building of a safe and secure future for all. Last year, you carried out some of the most extensive deliberations this body has seen in decades. The lack of agreement on reports was regrettable, but the depth of engagement demonstrated the potential of this forum. I urge you to bring the Conference on Disarmament back to fulfilling its mandate as a negotiating body. Use the momentum of UN80 to revitalize the disarmament machinery. The world needs you to make progress. Your priorities remain urgent imperatives. Ceasing the nuclear arms race is essential. Preventing nuclear war and an arms race in outer space is also fundamental. And, ultimately, we need to look into the possibility, one day, of the total elimination of nuclear weapons. I appeal to you not to avoid tough discussions. Use every opportunity for engagement to move your agenda forward. Build new understandings on emerging challenges. Pursue practical steps to remove technical barriers to agreement. And I wish you every success in your year ahead.

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António Guterres

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Geneva