New Zealand has joined a select few nations, including France and Norway, in politely declining an invitation to join former US President Donald Trump’s new “Board of Peace.” The decision, announced by Foreign Minister Winston Peters, highlights Wellington’s firm stance on international cooperation and the crucial role of the United Nations.
The “Board of Peace,” launched by Trump at the World Economic Forum in Davos, was initially conceived to oversee the rebuilding of Gaza. However, its charter suggests a broader scope, sparking questions about its exact mandate and future.
Foreign Minister Peters, in consultation with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour, explained that New Zealand wouldn’t join “in its current form.” He stated the country felt it “would not add significant further value” given the contributions from other regional states already involved.
Crucially, New Zealand isn’t dismissing the *idea* of a peace-making body entirely. Instead, Wellington is strongly reiterating its longstanding commitment to the UN. Peters emphasized that any such board’s work in Gaza must be “mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 2803” and align directly with the UN Charter. New Zealand is seeking more clarity on the new body’s scope and how it will complement, rather than duplicate, the vital work of established international bodies.
This move underscores New Zealand’s independent foreign policy and its unwavering belief in robust international cooperation through the United Nations. It’s a clear signal that for some nations, clarity, consistency, and a strong UN mandate remain paramount for global initiatives.
