In 1995, world military spending totaled nearly $800 billion. If we redirected just $40 billion of those resources over the next 10 years to fighting poverty, all of the world's population would enjoy basic social services, such as education, health care, nutrition, reproductive health, clean water and sanitation.

In this quote, Óscar Arias highlights the stark contrast between global military spending and the resources needed to address poverty. He points out that in 1995, world military spending was close to $800 billion, a significant amount of money that could be redirected toward improving basic social services. Arias suggests that if just $40 billion of that military budget were reallocated over the next decade, the entire global population could have access to essential services like education, health care, nutrition, reproductive health, and clean water.

Arias’ statement advocates for a shift in priorities from military expenditure to addressing pressing humanitarian needs. He argues that the resources exist to tackle poverty on a global scale, but current spending patterns do not reflect the need to improve the living conditions of the world's most vulnerable populations. By emphasizing the relatively small amount of money required, he makes the case that addressing poverty is not a matter of lack of resources but a matter of political will and resource allocation.

The origin of this quote comes from Óscar Arias, the former president of Costa Rica and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who has long been an advocate for peace, disarmament, and social justice. Arias is known for his efforts to promote peace in Central America and for his work in promoting human rights and economic development. His statement is part of his broader belief that the money spent on military and defense could be better utilized to foster development and address the root causes of conflict, such as poverty and inequality.

Ultimately, Arias’ quote calls attention to the imbalance between global spending on defense and the basic needs of humanity. By proposing a small redirection of funds, he offers a practical solution to reduce poverty and ensure that every person has access to the fundamental services required to live a healthy, dignified life. The quote underscores the idea that global peace and prosperity can be achieved if nations reexamine their priorities and invest more in human development.