World Happiness Foundation Response to ‘A Call for Peace’ as Peace Advocates Call for End of Wars

Together, let us make peace, in all its dimensions, our legacy for future generations.”

— Luis Miguel Gallardo, President World Happiness Foundation

As military expenditure reaches unprecedented levels worldwide, a growing coalition of international organisations is pushing for a radical rethinking of global security priorities. Recent data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) reveals that global military spending surged to £2.71 trillion in 2024, marking the steepest year-on-year increase since the end of the Cold War.

The Cost of Militarisation vs Sustainable Development

This dramatic rise in military spending comes at a crucial moment when the world faces pressing challenges in sustainable development, climate action and poverty reduction. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 16 emphasises the vital connection between peace, justice and strong institutions, highlighting how military expenditure often diverts resources from essential human needs.

‘The world is over-armed and peace is underfunded’, warns former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, a sentiment that resonates strongly as nations continue to prioritise military spending over sustainable development initiatives. The current allocation of resources presents a stark choice: between investing in weapons or investing in people’s wellbeing.

Alternative Models of Security and Peace

Several nations have already demonstrated that security need not depend on military might. Costa Rica, which abolished its army in 1949, serves as a compelling example of how redirecting military budgets towards social development can create a more stable and prosperous society. This pioneering approach to national security has allowed the country to invest heavily in education, healthcare and environmental protection.

The Role of Dialogue and Preventive Diplomacy

Peace advocates are increasingly emphasising that conflicts are ‘solvable through dialogue’ rather than military intervention. The World Happiness Foundation, alongside other international organisations, advocates for strengthening global diplomatic capabilities and establishing robust frameworks for conflict prevention.

A key proposal gaining traction is the creation of a UN-administered Sustainable Development Peace Fund, where savings from reduced military expenditure could be channelled into addressing global challenges. Even a modest reduction in current military spending could release substantial resources for sustainable development projects.

Practical Steps Towards Global Disarmament

The path to reducing global militarisation requires concrete actions at multiple levels. International organisations are calling for:

• Strengthening the Arms Trade Treaty to control conventional weapons proliferation
• Establishing enforceable bans on new categories of weapons, including autonomous systems
• Creating regional demilitarisation agreements
• Implementing comprehensive disarmament verification mechanisms

The Economic Case for Peace

Research indicates that investments in peaceful development yield far greater returns than military spending. Nations with lower military expenditure often show higher scores on measures of societal wellbeing and happiness. The current global military spending of £2.71 trillion represents resources that could fundamentally transform global healthcare, education and climate action initiatives.

Building a Culture of Peace

A crucial element in this transition is the cultivation of what UNESCO terms a ‘Culture of Peace‘. This involves educational initiatives, conflict resolution training and the promotion of non-violent communication at all levels of society. Such programmes have shown remarkable success in reducing conflict and building more resilient communities.

The movement towards demilitarisation and sustainable peace represents a fundamental shift in how we conceptualise security and development. As global challenges become more complex and interconnected, the wisdom of investing in weapons rather than wellbeing becomes increasingly questionable. The choice between these paths will significantly influence our collective future.

As nations grapple with mounting security challenges, the call for redirecting military expenditure towards sustainable development grows louder. The success of countries that have chosen alternative security models suggests that a different path is not only possible but potentially more effective in creating lasting peace and prosperity.

Do you want to share your story and inspire our readers ? Make The GOOD NEWS with us . Let’s start paving the way for a fairer, happier society together!