Davos, Switzerland – U.S. President Donald Trump formally launched his "Board of Peace" initiative on January 22, 2026, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, describing it as a groundbreaking body to secure the fragile Gaza ceasefire and potentially address broader global conflicts. The announcement, marked by a high-profile signing ceremony, has drawn both support and sharp criticism, with some traditional U.S. allies expressing fears that the board could undermine the United Nations' central role in international diplomacy.
Trump, who will chair the board, signed the founding charter alongside representatives from several nations, hailing the moment as "one of the most consequential bodies ever created in the history of the world." He insisted the initiative would complement rather than replace the UN, stating, "I think the combination of the Board of Peace with the kind of people we have here, coupled with the United Nations could be something very, very unique for the world." Trump praised the UN's "tremendous potential" that had yet to be fully realized, positioning his new body as a practical partner to accelerate peace efforts.
The Board of Peace originated as part of Trump's Gaza peace plan, endorsed by a UN Security Council resolution in late 2025 that mandated a temporary framework focused solely on Gaza through 2027. Russia and China abstained from that vote, citing insufficient UN involvement. The board's charter, however, outlines a wider mandate for conflict resolution, reconstruction, and stabilization, raising alarms about its potential to sideline established multilateral institutions.
Immediate focus remains on Gaza, where a ceasefire agreed in October 2025 has held tenuously amid mutual accusations of violations. Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and senior adviser, outlined "Phase Two" of the plan during the ceremony, emphasizing demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction. Kushner presented visuals of a "New Gaza," including maps dividing the territory into residential and coastal tourism zones, and artist renderings of high-rises and seafront developments. He stressed shifting Gaza from aid dependency toward "free market principles," with an upcoming U.S.-hosted investment conference in Washington to attract private capital.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the board's role in implementing the Gaza plan, serving as a model for other conflicts. Kushner identified Hamas disarmament as a "key obstacle," while prioritizing humanitarian aid and conditions for long-term stability. Palestinian officials reported progress, noting the Rafah border crossing with Egypt is expected to reopen soon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accepted an invitation to join, and Palestinian factions endorsed a transitional committee for Gaza administration under board oversight.
Approximately 35 countries have committed so far, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Argentina, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Qatar, Pakistan, Jordan, Morocco, Hungary, Bahrain, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Belarus, and others. Many are Middle Eastern or emerging nations aligned with Trump's transactional diplomacy. Permanent membership requires a $1 billion contribution, with non-contributing members holding renewable three-year terms. Russia is studying participation, with President Vladimir Putin suggesting frozen Russian assets in the U.S. could fund a $1 billion pledge for Palestinian support. China has not stated its position.
Western allies have shown caution or outright refusal. France declined, citing concerns over the board's broad mandate potentially rivaling the UN. Britain stated it is not joining for now, with Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressing reservations about including figures like Putin amid the Ukraine war. Germany, Norway, Sweden, Slovenia, and others have also opted out or withheld commitment, fearing erosion of the UN-centered international order. The absence of major powers like Canada, Japan, and EU representatives at the ceremony underscored transatlantic divides.
The board includes prominent figures such as Rubio, Kushner, U.S. Gaza negotiator Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and others overseeing portfolios like governance, reconstruction, and investment. Trump emphasized the board's flexibility to tackle issues beyond Gaza once established, stating, "Once this board is completely formed, we can do pretty much whatever we want to do."
Critics, including international law experts, argue the initiative challenges the post-World War II multilateral system. Some describe it as an "assault on the United Nations," given Trump's veto-like powers under the charter and the $1 billion entry for permanent seats. Supporters view it as innovative, leveraging private sector involvement and decisive leadership to overcome UN inefficiencies.
The Gaza ceasefire remains precarious, with recent incidents straining trust between Israel and Hamas over hostages, aid delivery, and sporadic violence. Even if the truce endures, unresolved issues—Hamas disarmament, security arrangements, Israeli withdrawal, and Palestinian statehood—loom large. Netanyahu's coalition faces internal opposition to aspects of the plan, including unified Palestinian governance in Gaza.
Trump claimed the world is now "richer, safer, and much more peaceful" than a year ago, crediting his administration's diplomacy. The launch occurs amid other Davos discussions, including Zelenskyy's meetings with Trump on Ukraine and earlier Greenland-related tensions.
As the Board of Peace begins operations, its success hinges on Gaza implementation and broader buy-in. While it has attracted diverse participants, the reluctance of key democracies and permanent UN Security Council members highlights ongoing debates over global governance in an era of shifting power dynamics.
The initiative tests whether Trump's approach—combining high-stakes incentives, personal leadership, and alternative frameworks—can deliver results where traditional institutions have struggled, or if it risks further fragmenting international cooperation.
