Global Days of Action on Military Spending – April 13, 2027

Global Days of Action on Military Spending
Categories:
Tags:
AwarenessInternationalMilitary
Where:
International
Date change rule:
Week starting in mid-April, determined by reports on military spending
Holiday emoji:
🕊️

Global Days of Action on Military Spending takes place from April 10 to May 9, 2026, advocating for a global shift in budget priorities. This annual observance aims to focus public, political, and media attention on the substantial costs of military spending. Join organizations worldwide to promote reallocating funds towards human development, climate action, and peace initiatives.

Want to sponsor Global Days of Action on Military Spending? Learn how

Expected Global Days of Action on Military Spending Deals

For Cause holidays like Global Days of Action on Military Spending, the focus shifts from commercial deals to advocacy and fundraising. Organizations such as the Global Campaign on Military Spending (GCOMS), Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), and Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) spearhead global efforts to educate the public and policymakers. Supporters can participate in online campaigns, sign petitions, and attend virtual or in-person events designed to highlight the economic and social costs of excessive military budgets. Look for opportunities to donate to peace-building initiatives or support organizations working on sustainable development. We will update this page with confirmed advocacy campaigns and events as the April 10 to May 9 period approaches.

Platform Guide for Global Days of Action on Military Spending

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #GDAMS. Share insights, statistics, and calls to action regarding military spending and alternative investments.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #GDAMS. Share event details, educational resources, and personal stories related to peace and development.

LinkedIn

Tag National Today (linkedin.com/company/nationaltoday) and use #GDAMS. Post about policy recommendations, economic impacts, and the professional case for reallocating military funds.

Social Media Tips for Global Days of Action on Military Spending

Individuals

Educate yourself on the true costs of military spending and share verifiable facts with your network to raise awareness.

Creators

Produce short explainer videos or infographics that break down complex military spending data into easily digestible content.

Brands

Advocate for corporate social responsibility by highlighting your commitment to peace, sustainability, or community development initiatives.

Organizations & Brands for Global Days of Action on Military Spending

  1. Global Campaign on Military Spending (GCOMS)

    GCOMS is the primary organizer of the Global Days of Action on Military Spending. Launched in 2010, it is a global initiative dedicated to increasing public awareness of the costs of military spending and advocating for a reallocation of these funds to human needs.

  2. Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)

    Founded in 1966, SIPRI is an independent international institute dedicated to research into conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament. Its annual reports on global military expenditure are a leading source of data and analysis for activists and policymakers worldwide.

  3. Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL)

    Established in 1943 by members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), FCNL is a nonpartisan lobbying organization that advocates for peace, justice, and environmental stewardship. They actively lobby Congress to reduce military spending and invest in human needs.

  4. Veterans for Peace

    Founded in 1985, Veterans for Peace is a global organization of military veterans and allies dedicated to building a culture of peace and actively working to abolish war. They advocate for reducing military budgets and redirecting resources to address social and environmental crises.

  5. Oxfam

    A global organization working to end the injustice of poverty, Oxfam often campaigns against excessive military spending, arguing that these resources could be better used to combat hunger, provide healthcare, and address climate change in vulnerable communities worldwide.

  6. Patagonia

    Founded by Yvon Chouinard in 1973, Patagonia is an outdoor apparel company renowned for its environmental activism and commitment to corporate social responsibility. The company often advocates for responsible resource allocation and sustainable practices, aligning with the broader goals of peace and development.

  7. Ben & Jerry's

    Founded in 1978 by Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield, this ice cream company is known for its progressive social activism. Ben & Jerry's frequently uses its platform to advocate for peace, social justice, and the redirection of public funds from military budgets to address societal needs.

Global Days of Action on Military Spending Hero

Bertha von Suttner

Bertha von Suttner (1843–1914) was an Austrian pacifist and novelist who became one of the first women to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1905. Her influential anti-war novel, 'Die Waffen nieder!' ('Lay Down Your Arms!'), published in 1889, galvanized the international peace movement. She tirelessly campaigned against militarism, advocating for international arbitration and disarmament, making her a pivotal figure in the global effort to reduce military spending.

History of Global Days of Action on Military Spending

The Global Day of Action on Military Spending was established by the International Peace Bureau (IPB) in December 2014. The Global Campaign on Military Spending is a permanent, year-round campaign to tackle the worldwide issue of excessive military spending. This campaign also incorporates the Global Day of Action on Military Spending (GDAMS).

The organizers of the Global Day of Action on Military Spending designed it in such a way that this holiday coincides with the release of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s (SIPRI) annual figures on World military expenditures. So, this day usually occurs in the middle of April or early May. The effect of high spending on military budgets across the globe not just includes the direct ones of the money and resources being spent on violence and weapon systems instead of being used for human development and positive developments, but also includes the consequences of testing, research, development and even the safe decommissioning of these weapons. This becomes critical – especially if the weapons are nuclear, chemical, or biological.

Various organizations across the globe organize awareness-raising events during GDAMS to highlight how much money different countries spend on their military. So, in these times, where numerous crises are destroying the planet such as economic, environmental, health, and diplomatic crises, we need a global movement like the Global Day of Action on Military Spending to shift this money to human needs.

Global Days of Action on Military Spending timeline

2011
The Surge of Military Spending

Global military spending surges to $1.74 trillion.

2011
The First GDAMS

The International Peace Bureau (I.P.B.) established the first GDAMS.

2014
The First Global Campaign on Military Spending

The I.P.B. launches the first global campaign on military spending.

2020
The All-Time High Spending

Global military spending reaches an all-time high of nearly $2 trillion.

Global Days of Action on Military Spending FAQs

When are the Global Days of Action on Military Spending?

For 2027, the Global Days of Action on Military Spending are scheduled from Tuesday, April 13, through Wednesday, May 12. This annual observance mobilizes global efforts to highlight the costs of military expenditure.

How much does the world spend on its military?

Projections for 2027 suggest a continued upward trend in military spending worldwide, potentially surpassing previous records. Activists use these figures to underscore the urgent need for a reallocation of funds towards social and environmental priorities.

What are the goals of the Global Days of Action on Military Spending?

Building on prior years, the 2027 goals emphasize mobilizing global citizens and policymakers to demand a reduction in military budgets. The aim is to free up resources for essential services like healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation worldwide.

Is military spending rising globally?

Data from last year indicates that military expenditure continues to climb, often outpacing inflation and GDP growth in many nations. The 2027 campaign will further emphasize the alarming rate of increase and its implications for global stability and development.

How to Observe Global Days of Action on Military Spending

  1. Spread the word

    The best way in which you can celebrate Global Day of Action on Military Spending is by spreading to the world the enormous money spent globally on the military budget. Make people aware that their representatives in government should be accountable. Our apathy will increase the problem.

  2. Organize events

    You can invite your friends, family, and colleagues and organize awareness events in your society to spread awareness about global military spending. Awareness leads to action and will bring results.

  3. Join the GDAMS events

    On the Global Day of Action on Military Spending, many human welfare enthusiasts across the world come together and organize several events. You can take part in these events and show your support.

5 Amazing Facts About Military Spending

  1. The U.S. is the highest spender

    The U.S. spends more on its military than many other countries combined.

  2. The biggest spenders

    The five biggest military spenders in 2020 were the U.S., China, India, Russia, and the UK.

  3. South America gets it

    The military expenditure in South America fell by 2.1% in 2020.

  4. Money to burn

    In 2007, the amount of money labeled ‘wasted’ in Iraq was a whopping $11 billion.

  5. It is expensive

    The yearly cost of stationing one U.S. soldier in Iraq could feed 60 U.S. households.

Why Global Days of Action on Military Spending is Important

  1. It is a much-needed day

    In today’s world violence and war are ruining many lives. That makes it hard to live for many people, so meaningful holidays like Global Day of Action on Military Spending are much-needed.

  2. It spreads positivity

    This awareness day is a positive day. It aims to raise awareness not only about global military spending but also about human welfare and other pressing issues of the world.

  3. It impacts everyone

    The Global Day of Action on Military Spending is one of those holidays that impacts almost everyone on this planet. Every extra penny spent on a country’s military budget could have been spent on something much better.

Global Days of Action on Military Spending dates

Year Date Day
2026 April 10–May 9 Friday–Saturday
2027 April 13–May 12 Tuesday–Wednesday
2028 April 13–May 12 Thursday–Friday
2029 April 13–May 12 Friday–Saturday
2030 April 13–May 12 Saturday–Sunday