Trump's 'Board of Peace' Holds First Meeting Amid UN Bypass Concerns
President Donald Trump will preside over the inaugural meeting of his controversial "Board of Peace" on Thursday, an initiative that has garnered praise from his allies but sparked widespread criticism from nations concerned it could undermine the United Nations' traditional role in global conflict resolution.
What Exactly Is the 'Board of Peace'?
Trump first proposed this board last September when announcing his plan to end Israel's war in Gaza. He subsequently expanded its remit beyond Gaza to address other international conflicts worldwide, with Trump himself serving as chairman. These peace-building efforts have historically fallen under the United Nations' purview.
According to its charter, member states would be limited to three-year terms unless they contribute $1 billion each to fund the board's activities, thereby earning permanent membership status.
The White House named several high-profile figures to the initiative's founding Executive Board in January, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Which Nations Have Joined the Initiative?
The board's official X account has listed over two dozen countries as founding members, including Washington's key Middle Eastern allies. These nations comprise:
- Israel and Saudi Arabia
- Egypt and Qatar, which mediated Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks
- Other regional players: Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates
Additional global participants include Albania, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Cambodia, El Salvador, Hungary, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.
Which Major Powers Have Declined Membership?
Notably absent are Washington's key Western allies and major Global South powers. Leaders from Britain, the European Union, France, Germany, Norway, and Sweden have publicly stated they will not join the board.
Trump rescinded Canada's invitation last month after taking issue with Prime Minister Mark Carney's Davos speech. Brazil and Mexico have refused participation, citing the Palestinian absence from the board. The Vatican has also declined, asserting that crisis management should remain with the United Nations.
China and Russia, both veto-wielding UN Security Council members, have not joined the initiative.
What Authority Will the Board Possess?
The UN Security Council passed a U.S.-drafted resolution in November recognizing the board as a transitional administration that will coordinate Gaza's redevelopment under Trump's plan until the Palestinian Authority implements satisfactory reforms.
This resolution authorized the board to deploy a temporary International Stabilization Force in Gaza, limiting its scope to Gaza through 2027. The board must report progress to the 15-member Security Council every six months.
China and Russia abstained from the vote, arguing the resolution failed to provide the UN with a clear future role in Gaza. Beyond Gaza, the board's legal authority and enforcement tools remain unclear, as does its potential collaboration with the UN and other international organizations.
Under its charter, the board will undertake "peace-building functions in accordance with international law." Chairman Trump will wield extensive executive power, including veto authority and member removal capabilities, subject to certain constraints.
What Are the Primary Criticisms?
Human rights experts have condemned the board's structure, arguing that Trump overseeing foreign territory affairs resembles colonial governance. Critics have particularly highlighted the absence of Palestinian representation on a board meant to supervise temporary governance of Palestinian territory.
Tony Blair's inclusion has drawn scrutiny given his role in the Iraq war and Britain's imperial history in the Middle East. The board has also faced criticism for including nations with widely condemned human rights records, such as certain Middle Eastern powers along with Belarus and El Salvador.
Israel's participation has generated particular controversy, as the board is meant to oversee Gaza's temporary governance while the territory remains devastated by Israeli military actions that killed tens of thousands, caused a hunger crisis, displaced the entire population, and led to war crime and genocide accusations. Israel maintains its actions constitute self-defense following Hamas-led militants' 2023 attack that killed 1,200 people and took over 250 hostages.
Who Will Attend Thursday's Meeting?
Nearly all member nations will participate in Thursday's inaugural meeting. A senior U.S. official confirmed that over 20 additional countries will attend as observers, including close Asian allies Japan and South Korea, along with India and Thailand from the broader region.
Other observers include Britain and the EU, plus individual member states Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. Norway, Switzerland, Mexico, and Oman will also participate in observer capacity.
Discussion topics will encompass Gaza's reconstruction, humanitarian assistance efforts, and deployment of the stabilization force, marking the beginning of this controversial international experiment in conflict resolution outside traditional UN frameworks.
