Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative gains limited support.
January 20 2025
President Trump’s newly launched Board of Peace, a U.S.-led international body proposed to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza and broader conflict resolution efforts, is drawing a mix of cautious support and international skepticism just days after its announcement.
Announced earlier this week, the Board was promoted by Trump as part of his 20-point Gaza peace plan and lauded domestically as a bold step toward lasting stability in the war-torn Palestinian enclave. The initiative has since expanded invitations to multiple countries and world leaders to participate, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) becoming one of the first nations to formally endorse the effort. According to Reuters, the UAE welcomed the opportunity to join and contribute to peace and reconstruction efforts under the Board’s umbrella.
The Board’s structure designed to function as a council of global leaders chaired for life by Trump calls for three year terms for member states. However, nations willing to make a $1 billion contribution would secure a permanent seat, according to U.S. officials familiar with the Board’s draft charter. The stated intention of such contributions is to fund rebuilding activities in Gaza.
Despite these early endorsements, the initiative has encountered significant pushback from key international partners. European governments and traditional diplomatic actors have expressed discomfort with the Board’s broader mandate and governance model, warning that it could undercut the role of the United Nations in global peace operations. A French government decision not to join the Board reflects such concerns, citing fears that the initiative seeks powers beyond its Gaza remit.
Moreover, some world leaders have openly questioned the legitimacy and scope of the proposal. Reuters reports that several allied nations remain undecided, and others are reportedly hesitant to participate without clearer operational and legal frameworks.
The White House has indicated a formal signing ceremony may occur as soon as this week during gatherings of global leaders at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Trump’s administration is actively promoting the Board as a mechanism to support stability, cooperation and prosperity both within Gaza and potentially beyond, although critics argue the model lacks the multilateral consensus that has historically underpinned major peacebuilding efforts.
