In a message for the International Day for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Guterres warned that global tensions are driving military spending to stratospheric levels and that small arms and light weapons are on the rise.

Our dream of peace is in danger. The nuclear threat is the greatest in decades. Emerging technologies make conflicts even more lethal, he noted.

He also urged global leaders to halt the arms race and stop fueling conflict.

It is time to invest in the architecture of peace, not in the tools of war.

That means fulfilling disarmament obligations, rebuilding trust, and strengthening systems that prevent the proliferation, testing, and use of lethal weapons, he stated.

Together, we can prevent catastrophes and ensure a safe and peaceful world for all, he concluded.

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