December 31st, 2025

NEW YEAR 2026 & RESPECT CHILDREN RIGHTS.

​New Year’s Address 2026 – For Children and the Planet
Honorable Secretary-General of the United Nations,
Distinguished representatives of UN Member States,
Esteemed audience,
As the new year begins, humanity once again stands at a crossroads of crucial decisions. These choices affect not only 2026 but entire generations. They will determine the world in which children grow – whether it is livable or insecure, just or indifferent.
Climate change, environmental destruction, wars, and terrorism are not separate crises. They are all consequences of the same neglect of responsibility, threatening the habitability of our planet and flagrantly violating the fundamental rights of children. Children who have done nothing to cause these crises yet bear the heaviest burdens.

2. Impacts of 21st Century Conflicts and Risks to ChildrenThe carbon footprint of conflicts is enormous. Between 2000 and 2025, the cumulative CO₂e emissions from wars and violence amount to approximately 4.41 Gt, exceeding the annual emissions of many major countries.
Conflict
Period  CO₂e (Mt) Region
Afghanistan 2001–2021
310
South Asia

Iraq 2003–2011
700
Middle East

Syria 2011–
900
Middle East

Libya 2011–
400
North Africa

Yemen 2014–
300
Middle East

Balkans & Kosovo Early 2000s
120

Europe 

Georgia 2008
60
Caucasus

Ukraine 2014–, escalated 2022
900
Eastern Europe

Gaza & Middle East
Recurrent escalations
85
Middle East

Sudan 2010–
130
Africa

Sahel 2010–
230
West Africa

Ethiopia 2018–
155

East Africa
Myanmar 2010–
120
Southeast Asia

Risks to children in conflict zones:
Conflict
Homeless / Refugee Children
Access to Education (%)
Health Risks
Afghanistan
2.5 M
45
High

Iraq
1.8 M
50
High

Syria
3.5 M
40
Extremely High

Libya
0.3 M
60
High

Yemen
1.2 M
50
Extremely High

Balkans & Kosovo
0.1 M
80
Moderate

Georgia
0.05 M
85
Moderate

Ukraine
2.5 M
65
High

Gaza & Middle East
0.5 M
60
High

Sudan
0.7 M
55
High

Sahel
0.9 M
50
High

Ethiopia
0.4 M
55
High

Myanmar
0.3 M
50
High
Comparison with major countries’ emissions (2024):

• Cumulative conflict emissions: 4.41 Gt
• United States: 5.0 Gt
• China: 11.0 Gt
• EU (27): 3.5 Gt
• India: 3.2 Gt

3. Environmental Destruction and Future Risks

• Destruction of forests and carbon sinks → accelerated global warming
• Contamination of soil and water → ecological collapse
• Damage to buildings and infrastructure → additional emissions during reconstruction

Without immediate international action, children and humanity will lose the opportunity to live in a safe and healthy environment.
4. The Significance of Military Emissions
Most national climate reports do not fully include the military sector. Considering it significantly changes the real emission scenario.
Example calculation for a medium–large industrialized country:

• Reported national inventory: 100 Mt CO₂e/year

Direct military emissions:
Source
Emissions (Mt CO₂e)
Explanation
Military aviation
4.0
Fighters, transport planes, exercises

Land forces vehicles
2.0
Armored vehicles, logistics

Navy
1.5
Ships, support vessels

Military bases
1.0
Electricity, heating, generators

Total (direct)
8.5
Indirect military emissions:
Source
Emissions (Mt CO₂e)
Explanation
Weapons manufacturing
2.5
Steel, electronics, explosives

Ammunition production
1.0
Chemical industry

Fuel supply chains
1.5
Transport, storage

Infrastructure
1.0
Roads, bases, depots

Total (indirect)
6.0
Additional emissions from conflicts and crisis readiness: 2.5 Mt
Total military impact: 17.0 Mt CO₂e
Revised national total: 117 Mt CO₂e → increase +17%
This is a conservative estimate: in crisis and conflict situations, the increase may be 15–20%. If 30–40 of the largest military states underreport similarly, global emission underreporting could be +5–6%, equivalent to 2–3 years of the 1.5 °C carbon budget.
Conclusion:

• Climate targets are based on overly optimistic data
• The actual need for emission reductions is greater
• Military activity is not climate-neutral

5. Climate Policy Implications

1. NDC targets appear achievable on paper, but in reality, they do not include military emissions
2. Wartime emission spikes include infrastructure fires, energy leaks, and environmental disasters that are unreported
3. Without including military emissions, the world’s true climate load is underestimated, undermining policy credibility

Recommendations to the UN:

• Mandatory reporting of military emissions
• Separate reporting for peacetime, exercises, and conflict periods
• Inclusion of military activities in IPCC models
• Recognition of environmental security as part of global security

6. Proposal for a New UN Organization: Defense of the Planet and Children6.1 Background:
Current UN mechanisms do not sufficiently prevent member states from:

• Threatening the safety and rights of children
• Destroying the planet’s habitat and ecosystems
• Participating in conflicts and terrorism

6.2 Responsibilities:

1. Monitor and document violations of children’s rights and environmental destruction
2. Report and demand accountability from member states
3. Intervene directly, including with force if necessary, against states that endanger children or the planet
4. Coordinate international protection and humanitarian aid in extreme crisis situations
5. Take decisive action against terrorism targeting children and ensure perpetrators are held accountable

6.3 Structure and Powers:

• Reports directly to the UN General Assembly
• Authority to impose sanctions and use limited force for humanitarian and environmental protection missions
• Cooperates closely with C.Y.P.E.-Academy, E.C.Y.P.E.-Academy, and other international human rights and environmental organizations

Honorable UN members, now is the time for courage and resolve. Your mission is to:

• Defend children’s rights
• Demand accountability for military emissions
• Protect the Earth’s habitat
• Act decisively against terrorism targeting children

Children cannot yet vote, negotiate, or make decisions, but they live with the consequences of ours. Let 2026 be the year when responsibility triumphs over indifference, justice over violence, and hope becomes action.
Happy New Year – for a shared, just, and livable world.
Timo Virtanen
General Manager
World Children & Youth Physical Education Academy (C.Y.P.E.-Academy)

Timo Virtanen in Mykolaiv Ukraine 2025.