Trump Board of Peace Launched at Davos Amid Global Support and Sharp Opposition

A High-Profile Launch at Davos

US President Donald J. Trump formally launched the Board of Peace (BoP) on January 22, 2026, during a signing ceremony at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The event marked the transformation of what began as a Gaza-specific ceasefire mechanism into an ambitious global conflict-resolution body.

Representatives from ~ 20 countries signed the founding charter at Davos, while Trump assumed the role of inaugural chairman. Addressing the gathering, Trump said the board carried “tremendous potential” and would work alongside the United Nations. However, he also stated that once fully formed, the board would be able to act decisively across multiple conflicts.

The ceremony exposed clear geopolitical divisions. Several Middle Eastern and Muslim-majority nations backed the initiative openly. In contrast, key Western allies chose not to attend, raising questions about legitimacy, balance of power, and long-term intent.

Origins in Gaza and UN Backing

The Trump Board of Peace traces its origins to September 29, 2025, when Trump announced a 20-point “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.” The proposal included a ceasefire, humanitarian relief, large-scale reconstruction, and a pathway to Palestinian self-determination.

In November 2025, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 2803, which endorsed the framework. The resolution described the Board of Peace as a transitional administrative mechanism for Gaza and welcomed international participation.

At that stage, the board focused narrowly on Gaza’s post-war governance. However, by January 2026, its remit expanded far beyond the original mandate.

Shift to a Global Mandate

A draft charter circulated by the White House removed explicit references to Gaza. Instead, it defined the Board of Peace as a body tasked with securing “enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict” worldwide.

Trump announced the board’s formal establishment on January 15, 2026, through social media. He described it as “the Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled.” The charter also created an executive arm that includes high-profile figures such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, whose inclusion triggered controversy due to his role in earlier Middle East interventions.

On January 21, eight Muslim-majority countries—Pakistan, Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, Indonesia, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar—issued a joint statement confirming their participation. They reiterated support for a permanent Gaza ceasefire, reconstruction, and Palestinian statehood on pre-1967 borders.

Structure, Membership and Control

The Trump Board of Peace operates on an invitation-only basis. Trump personally determines membership and chairs the body indefinitely, with veto authority over decisions.

Countries may join for a renewable three-year term without financial obligations. However, a $1 billion contribution grants permanent membership and removes term limits. Critics have labelled this model “pay-to-play,” comparing it to a privatised version of the UN.

The board’s structure also limits Palestinian participation. Palestinians remain confined to municipal oversight through the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a technocratic body operating under the board’s authority.

Ali Shaath, head of the NCAG, announced at Davos that the Rafah border crossing would reopen for two-way travel within a week. The move signals progress toward Phase Two of the Gaza plan.

Participating Countries and Diplomatic Divisions

As of January 22, 2026, between 20 and 35 countries have confirmed participation, depending on ongoing diplomatic confirmations.

Confirmed or publicly acknowledged members include the United States, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Mongolia, Morocco, Pakistan, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, the UAE, and Uzbekistan.

Israel joined the board on January 21, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signing on. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed interest and offered a $1 billion contribution drawn from frozen assets.

France, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, and Slovenia declined participation. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot cited concerns over the board’s sweeping mandate and Trump’s extensive powers. Other European states warned that the initiative could undermine the UN Charter.

Controversy, Criticism and Public Reaction

The Board of Peace has drawn intense criticism worldwide. Opponents describe it as an “imperial court” that sidelines multilateral institutions. Some analysts argue it risks fracturing global diplomacy rather than strengthening it.

In Gaza, reactions remain mixed. Many residents express cautious hope for stability, while others fear imposed solutions ignore justice and self-determination. Hamas and Islamic Jihad rejected foreign control and called for UN-supervised peacekeeping. Both groups refuse full disarmament under current security conditions.

In Pakistan, opposition parties criticised the government’s participation. They accused Islamabad of indirectly recognising Israel. Officials rejected the claim and reiterated support for Palestinian statehood.

On social media, users mocked the board’s logo as a gold-tinted UN emblem centred on the United States. Others criticised the inclusion of leaders accused of war crimes.

Financial Oversight and Global Implications

The board will oversee an estimated $70–150 billion Gaza reconstruction fund. Trump allies, including Jared Kushner, will play key roles in fund management. This arrangement has fuelled fears of corruption and conflicts of interest.

Supporters argue the Board of Peace fills gaps left by stalled UN mechanisms. Trump insists the body complements, rather than replaces, the UN. Critics remain unconvinced and warn of coercive diplomacy, citing reports of tariff threats against dissenting countries.

As Gaza’s ceasefire holds tenuously, the success of the Trump Board of Peace will depend on transparency, legitimacy, and restraint. Without these, analysts warn the board could become another flashpoint in an already fractured world order.