United States (U.S.) president Donald Trump, on Thursday, January 22, launched his new “Board of Peace” at Davos, Switzerland, with a signing ceremony for the body, which requires a $1 billion membership fee.
A group of leaders and senior officials from 19 countries, including Trump allies from Argentina and Hungary, joined him on stage to sign the founding charter of the organization.
Originally intended to oversee peace in Gaza following the war between Hamas and Israel, the board’s charter envisions a broader role in resolving international conflicts, prompting concerns that Trump aims to create a body rivaling the United Nations (UN).
Trump, however, insisted the organization would operate “in conjunction” with the UN.
The board’s membership has sparked controversy, particularly with the invitation extended to Russian president Vladimir Putin, who invaded Ukraine four years ago.
Trump stated that Putin had agreed to join, though the Russian leader said he was still reviewing the invitation.
Permanent members are required to pay $1 billion to join, raising criticism that the board could become a “pay-to-play” version of the UN security council.
Key U.S. allies, including France and the United Kingdom, have expressed skepticism, with the UK confirming it would not attend the ceremony.
Most members present on stage maintain close ties to Trump, including Hungary’s Viktor Orban and Argentina’s Javier Milei.
Officials from Bahrain, Morocco, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Uzbekistan, and Mongolia also signed the charter with Trump.
Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant over the Gaza war, has expressed intent to join the board but was absent from the ceremony.
U.S secretary of state Marco Rubio stated that the board’s primary focus is on ensuring the Gaza peace deal becomes enduring.
Trump, however, emphasized that Hamas must disarm under the next phase of the ceasefire agreement, warning that failure to do so would mark its end.
The launch of the Board of Peace comes amid Trump’s ongoing frustration over not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, despite his claims of having ended eight conflicts.
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