The launch of U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” is set to take place at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on March 15, 2024. Despite significant invitations to various nations, the board has encountered challenges in garnering support from Western allies. While it has attracted the backing of several Middle Eastern monarchs and leaders like Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, concerns persist regarding its implications for the global diplomatic landscape.
Originally envisioned as a mechanism to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza following a protracted conflict, the board has since expanded its mandate to encompass a broader spectrum of global conflicts. The charter draft, which was circulated alongside invitations, notably omits any mention of Gaza, indicating a shift towards a wider focus on international stability. Trump has indicated that the board could potentially replace the United Nations, a comment that has raised alarms among various U.S. allies.
Structure and Membership of the Board
The Board of Peace will be chaired indefinitely by Trump, who is expected to maintain this role beyond his current term. The founding executive board includes prominent figures such as Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The board aims to promote stability and governance in regions affected by conflict, as outlined in the charter draft.
As of now, several countries have accepted their invitations, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and others from both the Middle East and Central Asia. Notably, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also expressed support despite previous tensions regarding the inclusion of Turkish and Qatari officials.
In contrast, other nations have expressed hesitance or outright refusal to join. France and Norway have declined, citing concerns about the board’s relationship with the UN. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the difficulty of collaborating with Russia, while Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni pointed to potential constitutional issues surrounding participation.
Controversies and Concerns Over Governance
The establishment of the Board of Peace has not been without controversy. Critics have highlighted the potential for corruption with the proposed $1 billion fee for a permanent seat on the board, which would be required after a three-year term. Funds raised are intended for rebuilding Gaza, but skepticism remains about the governance and oversight of these funds.
Moreover, Trump’s assertion that the board could supplant the UN has raised additional concerns. Tom Fletcher, the UN’s top humanitarian official, has reiterated that the UN will continue to play a central role in global affairs. He stated, “The United Nations isn’t going anywhere,” emphasizing the importance of the existing international system.
As the world watches the developments surrounding the Board of Peace, the mixed reception from various nations underscores the complexities of international diplomacy. Whether this initiative can effectively foster global peace remains to be seen, as divergent interests and significant geopolitical challenges loom large.
