The Board of Peace: Key Facts on Trump’s New Diplomatic Initiative in Davos

In January 2026, during the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump formally established the "Board of Peace." This new international organization was designed to serve as a vehicle for global stability and conflict resolution. The initiative grew out of Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza, which was first introduced in September 2025 and subsequently endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803 in November of that same year.

The strategic vision for the Gaza region involves comprehensive demilitarization, the total disarmament of Hamas, and the repatriation of hostage remains. A significant component of the proposal is a large-scale reconstruction project aimed at turning Gaza into a thriving commercial and tourist hub, with Trump drawing parallels to the development of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. During the launch, Trump indicated that the Board of Peace would eventually expand its scope to other global issues, positioning the entity as a more effective alternative to the United Nations, which he accused of drifting from its original mission.

The formal signing of the organization's Charter took place on January 22, 2026. President Trump was the first to sign the document, followed by representatives from more than 20 nations. The initial member list includes Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Hungary, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Kosovo, Indonesia, Morocco, Mongolia, Pakistan, Paraguay, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. This coalition represents a significant shift in diplomatic alignments across several regions.

However, the initiative faced immediate pushback from several traditional Western allies. Countries such as the United Kingdom, France, Norway, and Sweden chose to abstain or maintain a cautious stance. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper pointed to the organization's "blurred mandate" as a primary concern. Meanwhile, France’s vocal opposition regarding the potential undermining of the UN led to a tense standoff, including a threat from Trump to impose 200% tariffs on French wine—a measure that was ultimately not carried out. Other nations, including Canada, expressed interest in the Board's goals but declined to pay the $1 billion contribution required for permanent membership status. Invitations to join the Board of Peace were extended to approximately 60 countries, including Russia, which sparked anxiety among various Western leaders.

The Charter of the Board of Peace, which was published in its entirety by The Times of Israel, defines the organization as a "flexible and efficient" structure for international peacebuilding. The document is comprised of a preamble and 13 chapters that detail the organization's objectives, membership criteria, governance, financial operations, and dissolution protocols. It emphasizes a pragmatic approach to restoring order in conflict zones, consciously distancing itself from what it describes as the failures of existing global institutions. The key provisions of the Charter include the following:

• Mission (Chapter I): The primary goal is the promotion of stability and the restoration of governance in conflict zones. The Charter focuses on practical solutions and seeks to avoid the dependencies associated with failed international bodies. It remains compliant with international law while developing best practices for global application.
• Membership (Chapter II): Participation is strictly by invitation from the Chairman. Members serve three-year renewable terms, though permanent membership is granted to those who contribute over $1 billion during their first year. Members are typically heads of state who support operations within their national legal frameworks, and withdrawal is effective immediately upon notification.
• Governance and Decision-Making (Chapters III-IV): The Chairman holds a central and lifelong role, currently occupied by Donald Trump, who has the authority to appoint his successor. Under Article 9, the Chairman can issue resolutions independently and interpret the Charter. While the Board votes on budgets and policies—with one vote per country and a simple majority required—all decisions must be confirmed by the Chairman, who also resolves any ties. An Executive Council of seven members, including Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, and Tony Blair, manages operational decisions, though the Chairman maintains a final veto. Amendments to the Charter require a two-thirds majority and Chairman approval, with core chapters requiring unanimous consent.
• Finances and Legal Status (Chapters V-VI): The organization is funded through voluntary contributions and possesses its own legal personality, allowing it to enter into contracts and enjoy specific immunities.
• Dissolution (Chapter X): The organization can be dissolved at the discretion of the Chairman or will automatically terminate at the end of odd-numbered years unless specifically extended.

Critics of the initiative have characterized the Board of Peace as a "pay-to-play" club, citing the heavy concentration of power and the high financial barriers to entry. While the United Nations has approved the Board's specific role in Gaza through 2027, it has been careful to clarify that the Board is not an official UN organ. The long-term viability of the Board of Peace will likely depend on its ability to attract sustained funding and prove its effectiveness beyond the immediate crisis in Gaza, though skepticism among traditional allies may limit its global reach.