DAVOS, Switzerland — US President Donald Trump launched his new “Board of Peace” on Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, signing the charter alongside leaders and officials from 19 countries, including Pakistan, Bahrain, Morocco, Argentina, Hungary, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkiye. The initiative, originally aimed at overseeing Gaza’s post-war reconstruction, envisions a broader role in resolving global conflicts, raising concerns it could rival the United Nations.
Trump, serving as chairman, said the board would work “in conjunction” with the UN, but the inclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin has sparked particular unease. While Trump claimed Putin had accepted the invitation, the Russian leader said he was still reviewing it. Membership comes with a $1 billion fee for permanent seats, drawing criticism that the board could become a “pay-to-play” version of the UN Security Council.
Key US allies, including the UK and France, declined to sign, citing concerns over Russia’s involvement and broader geopolitical implications. Trump pledged that Hamas must disarm under the Gaza ceasefire, warning of “the end of them” otherwise.
The board’s launch comes ahead of Trump’s planned meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Davos to discuss a ceasefire, while his Greenland territorial ambitions have temporarily eased transatlantic tensions after proposed tariffs on European allies were dropped.
