U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a new global initiative, the Board of Peace, aimed at stabilising the fragile Gaza ceasefire.
The move, announced in Davos, has already stirred debate among world powers. Moreover, it has raised concerns about how global diplomacy could shift.
Speaking on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, Trump said the board was first designed to support the Gaza truce.
However, he added that its scope could expand to wider global conflicts.
Trump insisted the Board of Peace would not replace existing institutions. He stressed that it would work alongside the United Nations. According to him, the UN has “great potential” that has not been fully used.
The launch has unsettled several countries. Many fear the board could weaken the UN’s role as the main platform for peace talks. Meanwhile, Trump dismissed such worries and described the initiative as supportive, not competitive.
Trump, who will chair the body, said its mandate would grow once fully formed. In addition, he said it could address conflicts beyond Gaza. That ambition has made some traditional U.S. allies cautious.
So far, about 59 countries have joined the initiative. These include Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Argentina and Indonesia. However, France has declined to participate, while Britain said it is not joining for now.
China has not stated its position. Russia, meanwhile, said it is considering membership. President Vladimir Putin noted that frozen Russian assets in the United States could fund Moscow’s contribution to support Palestinians.
Trump said permanent members must contribute $1 billion each. However, no senior representatives of major powers were seen at the signing ceremony.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the immediate focus would be Gaza. He explained that the Board of Peace would ensure the Gaza peace plan is followed. Furthermore, he said it could serve as a model for future conflict resolution.
The initiative was endorsed through a UN Security Council resolution tied to Trump’s Gaza plan. The UN confirmed its involvement would be limited to that framework. Therefore, its broader role remains unclear.
Attention remains fixed on the ceasefire. Jared Kushner said the next phase would focus on reconstruction funding and Hamas disarmament.
There were modest signs of progress. Palestinian officials said the Rafah crossing with Egypt may reopen next week. However, the truce has been strained by repeated accusations of violations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accepted an invitation to join the board. Palestinian factions have also backed the plan. Even so, long-term peace talks must still address security, withdrawal, and governance in Gaza.
