PressAdda
Kathmandu- U.S. President Donald Trump held a signing ceremony on Thursday in Davos, alongside the World Economic Forum, to launch his proposed “Peace Board.” He described the day as “very exciting” and claimed the board could become one of the most effective global institutions ever created.
In his inaugural speech, Trump said that the world is witnessing the first steps toward a safer future and a “bright day” for the Middle East. He added that the board has the potential to end decades of conflict, stop generational hatred and bloodshed, and establish lasting peace in the region.
More than two dozen countries have accepted invitations to join the board so far. However, none of the major U.S. or European allies have officially committed yet, and some have rejected the idea entirely. Trump was joined on stage by over a dozen leaders whose countries have agreed to sign the board.
U.S. special envoy Steve Wittkoff told CNBC that 25 countries had accepted the invitation. The White House said more than 50 world leaders were invited over the weekend, and about 30 countries are expected to join.
The initiative has received cautious reactions from several U.S. allies, with many questioning whether an alternative to the United Nations is needed. When asked whether the board would replace the UN, Trump replied, “Maybe.”
France, Norway, and Sweden have publicly objected to the board, while Germany, the UK, and Italy have not committed. Russia has also been invited despite its ongoing war in Ukraine, confirmed by the Kremlin this week.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the proposal focuses on resolving the Middle East conflict, the Palestinian issue, and Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
By Thursday morning, more than 20 countries had confirmed their participation, including Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Bulgaria, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Mongolia, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
Trump described the board as “the biggest and most prestigious board ever,” saying that even controversial figures are included because they can deliver results.
The White House has not released the full invitation list. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the UK would not join, citing concerns about inviting Putin while he shows no sign of commitment to peace in Ukraine.
The board was first proposed last year as a two-year mandate to manage Gaza’s reconstruction. However, the charter does not directly mention Gaza. ABC News reported that the draft charter broadly defines the board as an international institution and peace-building body, positioning it as an alternative to the UN-led system.
Trump is expected to remain chairman for life unless he resigns. The draft charter states that member countries have a three-year term, but countries contributing more than $1 billion in the first year may become permanent members. Contributions are voluntary, and strict financial oversight will be applied.
The board’s executive committee will include former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Canada’s Mark Carney, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Steve Wittkoff, and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
