Donald Trump
Bolatito Abayomi
US President Donald Trump has launched the “Board of Peace” initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, aiming to resolve global conflicts. The board’s primary focus is on promoting peace and stability worldwide, with an initial emphasis on Gaza’s reconstruction. Trump claims the board will work in conjunction with the United Nations, despite concerns from some allies that it might rival the UN.
The Board of Peace has invited around 60 countries to join, with 35 accepting the invitation so far. Notable members include Argentina, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. However, key US allies like France, Britain, and Germany have expressed skepticism or declined to join, citing concerns about the board’s mandate and potential impact on the UN.
Permanent membership on the board comes with a $1 billion price tag, raising concerns about the initiative becoming a “pay-to-play” version of the UN Security Council. Trump will serve as the board’s chairman, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair among its founding members.
The board’s charter tasks it with promoting peace worldwide, but its expanded remit has raised concerns among diplomats and officials. Some see it as an attempt to undermine the UN, while others view it as a vehicle for Trump to exert influence globally.
Countries like Russia and China have been invited to join, sparking concerns about their involvement in a body aimed at resolving conflicts. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted the invitation, despite facing an International Criminal Court arrest warrant
The Board of Peace’s launch has sparked debate, with some viewing it as a bold initiative for global peace, while others see it as a potential threat to the UN’s authority.
