Former President Trump is shaking up global diplomacy with the launch of his new “Board of Peace.” Initially conceived to oversee the challenging next steps of the Gaza ceasefire, this ambitious body appears to have a much broader mandate: “embark on a bold new approach to resolving global conflict.”
Invitations have already been extended to world leaders, with countries like Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, Pakistan, Canada, Turkey, and Egypt confirming their invitations. An intriguing aspect of membership is the two-tiered system: a $1 billion contribution secures a permanent spot on the Trump-led board, while a three-year appointment requires no financial contribution. All funds raised are reportedly designated for the crucial work of rebuilding Gaza.
This new initiative, with its full membership list expected to be announced soon, possibly at the World Economic Forum, is already being seen as a potential rival to existing international bodies like the United Nations. The UN has recently faced significant funding cuts and its Security Council has been notably gridlocked on action regarding Gaza. Trump’s “Board of Peace” aims to step into this perceived void.
The board’s immediate responsibilities include overseeing a new Palestinian committee in Gaza, deploying an international security force, facilitating the disarmament of Hamas, and leading the reconstruction of the war-battered territory. An executive committee, featuring figures like U.S. Secretary of State Rubio, Jared Kushner, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, has also been named. However, this committee has already faced a rare public objection from Israel, which stated it “was not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy.”
As the world watches, the full impact of this “Board of Peace” on global affairs remains to be seen.