Trump Launches Global Board Amid Uneven Support
Trump unveils Board of Peace in Davos, drawing support from parts of the Middle East and Asia while key Western allies voice concerns.President Donald Trump formally unveiled the “Board of Peace” on sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, presenting the body as a new vehicle for resolving global conflicts in parallel to the United Nations. Yet the signing ceremony revealed divisions among U.S. partners, with support coming largely from the Middle East, Asia and parts of Eastern Europe while many Western allies stayed away, showing concern for the long term-viability of the project.
The board was first proposed last September as part of a second phase of a U.S.-brokered ceasefire framework for Gaza. In November, the United Nations Security Council endorsed a plan granting the body authority to oversee demilitarization and reconstruction in the territory affected by the war. Since then, however, the scope has drastically increased. The charter now describes the board as an international organization promoting stability and governance in conflict-affected regions worldwide, without directly referencing Gaza. Trump will serve as chairman indefinitely, according to the charter. A founding Executive Board includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, his son in law, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, among others. Kushner told attendees in the signing ceremony at Davos that the effort focuses on implementing agreements rather than issuing statements, while presentations showcased ambitious redevelopment concepts for the war-torn regions in Gaza. The proposal quickly won traction in the Middle East and with several Central Asia states, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Turkey, Pakistan, Indonesia, Vietnam and several Central Asian states. Hungary, Bulgaria, Albania, Kosovo, Argentina and Paraguay also joined, along with Armenia and Azerbaijan following their recent U.S.-brokered peace accord. Israel supports the initiative, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not attend the Davos event. However, other long-standing allies have declined or remain undecided. Britain cited concerns about potential Russian involvement, while France and Norway questioned how the board would function alongside the United Nations. Notably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed reluctance to join any council that could include Russia or Belarus. China confirmed receiving an invitation but has not announced a decision, and Canada’s invitation was later rescinded after tensions with Washington. Diplomats and analysts have raised concerns about the board’s expanded mandate, Trump’s indefinite leadership and the possibility that it could weaken the United Nations’ role. Member countries serve three-year terms, with permanent seats available through contributions of $1 billion intended for Gaza reconstruction. Critics warn the funding structure and governance model could invite controversy as the organization begins its work. |