President Donald Trump led a signing ceremony for the founding charter of his "Board of Peace" on Thursday in Davos, Switzerland. The initiative aims to support international peace efforts, initially focusing on Gaza, with the potential for broader global engagement.
Trump indicated that the board would work alongside the United Nations, though specific operational details remain limited. "Once the board is formed we can do pretty much whatever we want to do ... and we're going to do it in conjunction with the United Nations," he said.
The initiative has faced mixed responses from U.S. allies, with some countries committing to participation while others remain cautious or have declined. More than 50 nations were invited to join as of January 21, including Russia, Belarus, and multiple countries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The Board of Peace is chaired by Trump and includes a founding Executive Board with members such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, billionaire financier Marc Rowan, and World Bank Group president Ajay Banga. A separate Gaza Executive Board, along with senior advisers, will support governance and service delivery in Gaza.
Participation among invited nations has varied. Countries like Bahrain, Morocco, Argentina, and Pakistan have joined, while some European allies, including Belgium, Britain, Norway, Sweden, and France, have withheld endorsement citing concerns about the board's broader scope and alignment with international law. Israel and Canada previously indicated interest but did not appear on the White House list at the time of the signing.
The launch of the Board of Peace underscores Trump’s ongoing involvement in international diplomacy, though reactions highlight both optimism and skepticism among global stakeholders.