Former US President Donald Trump on Thursday announced the launch of his proposed “Board of Peace,” a new international body initially aimed at reinforcing the fragile Gaza ceasefire. The initiative, unveiled in Davos, Switzerland, during the World Economic Forum, was signed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and several other world leaders. As a result, it drew mixed reactions from global powers, the United Nations, and human rights groups.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Trump said the board could eventually take on a broader global role in conflict resolution. He explained it would work “in conjunction with the United Nations.” Moreover, he added that once fully formed, the board would have significant authority to act on international challenges. This statement raised concerns among some countries about overlapping or undermining the UN’s mandate.
Mixed global response to Trump’s Board of Peace
While Pakistan, several Middle Eastern nations — including Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE — and emerging economies such as Indonesia have joined the board, major global powers have responded cautiously. No other permanent member of the UN Security Council besides the United States has formally committed so far.
Russia said it is reviewing the proposal, the United Kingdom confirmed it is not joining at present, and China has yet to clarify its position. France also declined to participate for now, citing concerns that the board’s charter does not align with existing UN resolutions on Gaza. In addition, France says the charter includes elements conflicting with the UN Charter.
Trump stated that permanent members of the board would be required to contribute $1 billion each. However, representatives from several major powers, as well as Israel and the Palestinian Authority, were notably absent from the ceremony.
PM Shehbaz Sharif, Asim Munir draw attention in Davos
During the event, PTV News shared footage showing an interaction between PM Shehbaz Sharif and Trump, in which the Pakistani premier pointed out Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir in the audience. According to the post, Trump acknowledged Field Marshal Asim Munir with a smile. This highlighted the visibility of Pakistan’s political and military leadership at the gathering.
Gaza ceasefire and future roadmap
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the board’s immediate focus would be ensuring the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire, while also serving as a potential model for peace efforts elsewhere. Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner added that the next phase would concentrate on Gaza’s reconstruction funding and the disarmament of Hamas — a key sticking point in negotiations.
Signs of limited progress emerged as Palestinian officials announced that the Rafah border crossing with Egypt is expected to reopen next week. However, the ceasefire, agreed in October, remains fragile, with Israel and Hamas accusing each other of repeated violations.
Amnesty International criticises initiative
Human rights organisation Amnesty International strongly criticised the formation of the Board of Peace, calling it a “brazen disregard for international law and human rights.” The group warned that the initiative represents a growing challenge to established UN mechanisms and global governance norms. They argued that peace efforts should strengthen — not bypass — international legal frameworks.
Despite criticism, around 35 countries have so far agreed to join the board, including Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Belarus, Albania, and Bulgaria. Former UN envoy Nikolay Mladenov has been appointed as the board’s High Representative for Gaza.
As the Gaza truce continues to falter, observers say the effectiveness and legitimacy of Trump’s Board of Peace will depend on whether it can complement existing UN efforts. Otherwise, the board might further complicate an already fragile diplomatic landscape.