United States President Donald Trump on Thursday launched his proposed “Board of Peace” at the World Economic Forum in Davos, unveiling the initiative with a signing ceremony attended by leaders and senior officials from 19 countries.
The new body, which requires a reported $1 billion membership fee for permanent members, was initially conceived to oversee post-war peace arrangements in Gaza but has since been broadened to address global conflicts. Trump, who chairs the board, said it would work “in conjunction” with the United Nations, dismissing concerns that it could rival the global body.
The initiative has drawn criticism over its structure and membership, including Trump’s invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who launched the invasion of Ukraine nearly four years ago. Trump said Putin had agreed to join, although the Kremlin indicated the proposal was still under consideration.
Several US allies, including France and the United Kingdom, expressed scepticism, with Britain declining to attend the launch. Critics have also raised concerns that the hefty membership fee could turn the body into a “pay-to-play” alternative to the UN Security Council.
Among those present were close Trump allies such as Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Argentina’s President Javier Milei, alongside representatives from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Indonesia and several other countries. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has indicated his intention to join, was absent.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the board’s immediate priority was ensuring that any Gaza peace agreement becomes durable. Trump, however, warned that Hamas must disarm under the next phase of the ceasefire or face severe consequences.
The launch comes as Trump continues efforts to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine. He is expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Davos, while his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said talks with Moscow had made significant progress and were close to resolution.
The initiative has intensified debate among US allies and democracy advocates, particularly over the inclusion of Russia and concerns that Trump’s broader geopolitical agenda could complicate existing international institutions.
