U. S. President Donald Trump has created a Board of Peace initiative to address global conflicts, inviting many world leaders to join. However, diplomats warn that this initiative could weaken the work of the United Nations. Reactions from traditional U. S. allies have been cautious, with some rejecting the invitation while others, including countries with strained relations with Washington like Belarus, have accepted.
Trump announced the Board of Peace last September, originally focused on resolving the Gaza war. The board’s purpose has since expanded to include other global conflicts. Trump will be the first chairman, and the board aims to promote peace worldwide. Membership has terms limited to three years unless countries contribute $1 billion to secure permanent membership.
So far, up to 25 countries have accepted the invitation, including Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt, along with NATO members Turkey and Hungary. Countries like Armenia and Azerbaijan, who signed a peace agreement with U. S. mediation, have also accepted. Notably, Belarus, led by President Alexander Lukashenko, has joined despite past isolation from the West, while Russia and China have not committed yet, as both countries are cautious about initiatives that might conflict with the U. N.
Trump downplayed concerns about the Board of Peace replacing the U. N., emphasizing its continued importance. Some U. S. allies are hesitant, with Norway and Sweden refusing the invitation, and Italy’s Economy Minister citing constitutional issues. France plans to decline, although Trump threatened tariffs on French wines if they did not join. Canada is considering joining, while Britain, Germany, and Japan have not clearly stated their positions. Ukraine is examining the invitation but is skeptical of joining any board with Russia after the ongoing war.
The Board of Peace’s legal authority and relationship with the U. N. remain unclear. According to the draft charter, Trump will have significant executive power, including veto power and member removal. The charter mentions that the board will engage in peace-building activities aligned with international law. Additionally, a Gaza Executive Board has been announced to support a transitional Palestinian administration in Gaza, though the functioning of both boards in relation to each other is not clear.
With information from Reuters
