Trump Launches ‘Board of Peace’ at Davos, Sparks Global Debate

United States President Donald Trump on Thursday unveiled a new international body dubbed the “Board of Peace” at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, formally launching the initiative with a high-profile signing ceremony involving leaders and senior officials from 19 countries.

Trump, who will serve as chairman of the board, presided over the event as representatives from participating nations endorsed the organisation’s founding charter. He described the signatories as a mix of widely supported and controversial leaders, noting that popularity often varies in global politics.

The body was initially conceived as a mechanism to oversee post-war peace arrangements in Gaza following the conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, the scope outlined in its charter extends beyond the Middle East, positioning the board as a platform for addressing broader international disputes. This expanded mandate has raised concerns among diplomats who fear it could evolve into a parallel institution competing with the United Nations.

Responding to the criticism, Trump insisted that the Board of Peace is not intended to replace existing global bodies. He said it would work alongside the UN rather than undermine it. Still, scepticism remains, particularly over the organisation’s structure and membership rules.

One of the most contentious elements is the requirement for permanent members to pay a reported $1 billion membership fee. Critics argue that this risks turning the body into an exclusive, pay-driven forum similar to a “pay-to-play” version of the UN Security Council.

The invitation extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin has further fuelled controversy, especially as Russia’s war in Ukraine enters its fourth year. Trump claimed Putin had agreed to join, though the Kremlin has said the proposal is still under consideration.

Several key US allies distanced themselves from the launch. The United Kingdom and France declined to participate in the signing ceremony, citing reservations about the initiative. In contrast, countries represented at the event included Hungary, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Jordan, Morocco, Indonesia and others across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has indicated interest in joining the board, was absent from the ceremony. Trump, however, used the occasion to restate his position on Gaza, warning that Hamas must disarm under the next phase of the ceasefire or face severe consequences.

On the sidelines of the Davos meeting, Trump is scheduled to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on efforts to reach a ceasefire with Russia. His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said negotiations had narrowed down to a single unresolved issue, expressing confidence that a deal was achievable, though he declined to provide details.

The launch of the Board of Peace adds another layer to an already tense global diplomatic landscape, with supporters hailing it as a bold peace initiative and critics questioning its motives, structure and long-term implications for international governance.