In a significant geopolitical move at the World Economic Forum in Davos, former U.S. President Donald Trump officially inaugurated his controversial “Board of Peace” initiative on Thursday. The ceremonial signing event featured leaders and senior officials from 19 nations, including prominent Trump allies such as Argentina’s Javier Milei and Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, who collectively endorsed the organization’s founding charter.
The newly established board, chaired by Trump himself, carries a substantial $1 billion membership fee and has sparked international debate regarding its purpose and composition. While initially conceived to oversee post-conflict peace in Gaza following the Hamas-Israel war, the board’s charter now envisions a broader mandate in resolving international disputes, raising concerns among traditional diplomatic circles about its potential to challenge the United Nations’ authority.
Trump addressed these concerns during the launch, asserting that the organization would operate “in conjunction” with the UN rather than as a competitor. However, the membership roster has generated controversy, particularly regarding the inclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Trump confirmed Putin’s agreement to join, though the Kremlin leader stated he remains undecided.
The initiative faced immediate diplomatic setbacks as key U.S. allies including the United Kingdom and France declined participation, expressing skepticism about the board’s legitimacy and objectives. Other signatories included representatives from Bahrain, Morocco, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the board’s primary focus would be “ensuring that the Gaza peace deal becomes enduring.” Trump delivered a stern warning to Hamas, stating they must disarm in the next phase of the ceasefire agreement or face consequences.
The launch occurs against the backdrop of Trump’s previously expressed frustration at not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, despite his claims of having ended multiple conflicts. Concurrently, Trump prepared to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss potential ceasefire negotiations regarding the ongoing Russian invasion, while his special envoy Steve Witkoff indicated substantial progress in peace talks, noting they had been narrowed to “one solvable issue.”