The 2026 Global Days of Action on Military Spending (GDAMS) brought together a the international movement of which GCOMS UK is part, challenge rising military expenditure and promoting investment in peace, people and the planet. The annual initiative of the International Peace Bureau took place from 10 April to 9 May, with a month-long period of coordinated campaigning, public education and grassroots action.
The report of GDAMS 2026 has now been published, and shows the scale of participation. More than 200 organisations endorsed the GDAMS Appeal, with actions taking place in 22 countries. There were more than 70 actions and 10 online events.
This years GDAMS took place against the backdrop of new figures from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) showing that global military expenditure reached $2.88 trillion in 2025, representing a 2.9% increase and the eleventh consecutive year of growth. GDAMS used this moment to highlight the opportunity costs of military spending and to make the case for investment in peace and disarmament, climate action, public services, social justice and humanitarian needs.
GDAMS highlights included an opening webinar launching the campaign on 9 April, followed by a US Tax Day webinar examining military spending stateside. The 18–19 April Weekend of Action generated protests, conferences and social-media activity, while Earth Day on 22 April focused attention on the links between militarism and the climate crisis. SIPRI’s data release on 27 April provided another major media and campaigning opportunity, followed by activities connecting military expenditure with workers’ rights and social justice around May Day.
Across Europe, supporters mobilised for demonstrations, marches, public discussions and actions. Activities included a march to the Morón military base in Spain, public meetings in Italy and Greece, and events examining Europe’s rearmament, arms exports, finance and the relationship between military spending and social welfare. Here in the UK there was a demonstration at Menwith Hill amongst other events.
In Asia, actions included a press conference and protest in Seoul, an Earth Day march in Manila, student poster-making in the Philippines and a public forum on military spending and human security. Peace Boat incorporated GDAMS into its 123rd Global Voyage, using onboard discussions and a photo action to explore militarism’s links with climate change, fossil fuels and global justice.
GDAMS 2026 was another example of the global movement calling for a rethink to the approach our political leaders are taking to military spending. As calls for increased military spending amongst politicians continue, it’s vital that this work continues. We’re already planning for next years GDAMS. Keep an eye on our website and social media for the latest updates.
