No. He said safer and more secure. Overall, that is true, even in most 3rd world countries (barring ones at war). If it were not, the population simply would not be as high as it is.
Water is safer. Childbirth is safer. Technology has made food production increase to support the population. Medical advancements mean people are living longer, fuller, healthier lives. Deadly Diseases like smallpox and polio have been eradicated across the globe. Others are more under control. Human rights have been established by an International Council. There is a path of accountability for war crimes.

So what he said is true. On average. And if you look at vital statistics.

Is it perfect? No. Is the job done? No. There is still far to go. Is it equitable across the globe? No. Because racism, religious extremism, and misogyny are still widespread. And yes, some places in the world have it worse than others. We are not doing things we have the capability to do simply because we have not set ourselves to the task. We could feed everyone on this planet. We could eliminate AIDS and Ebola. We could protect our ecosystems. We could provide water security for the world. We could build more equitable power generating infrastructure. We could educate every child. We could.... We could.... We could....

The list goes on.

So what he said was false. Lack of and failure to center advancements around equity mean hardships for certain populations or groups and always will. It means a bigger chance conditions will deteriorate under stress. Looking at equity and distribution of progress it becomes clear certain people are benefitting a whole lot more than others. Certain people are taking more than they are giving back. Ultimately, it’s unsustainable. In that sense, his statement is false.

Still, recognizing how far we have come does not negate recognizing how far we have to go.

Conversely, saying things are better should not be used to gaslight discourse on the need to work further toward a more equitable society.

And yes, everytime there is conflict, it is women and children who bear the brunt of the violence. Like in Syria, Yemen. When the state sponsors violence, it is always the top of the pyramid crushing the bottom of the pyramid. Like with police violence here in America, rape and murder by authorities in Columbia, MMIW in North America, and so forth and so on.

Seems like that pyramid structuring of human society isn’t the best of ideas, if it ever was. It certainly is ill fitted to a modern age or enlightened societies.

Clearly, we still have far to go.