FACTBOX: Trump launches "Board of Peace" in Davos with regional backing, faces European hesitation

US President Donald Trump unveiled the newly established "Board of Peace" during a ceremony at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, flanked by a coalition of world leaders who have agreed to participate. The initiative, which will initially focus on the reconstruction of Gaza, coincides with the start of a second-phase ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. The board is part of a 20-point plan proposed by Trump and later adopted by the UN Security Council in November 2025.

A Geopolitical Split in Participation

The launch revealed a clear geopolitical divide. Strong backing came from key Middle Eastern and Muslim-majority nations, including Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, and the UAE. Several Eastern European and Asian countries, such as Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and Albania, also joined. Notably, Argentina's President Javier Milei attended the signing. However, traditional Western allies have largely hesitated or refused. France, the UK, Norway, and Sweden declined, expressing concern that the board could undermine existing UN mechanisms and international law. Germany, India, Brazil, and others remain undecided.

Notable Responses and a Withdrawn Invitation

Russia's President Vladimir Putin stated Moscow is "ready" to allocate $1 billion to the board, while China confirmed receipt of an invitation without committing. In a notable development, President Trump announced the withdrawal of Canada's invitation after Prime Minister Mark Carney's cautious stance. The Vatican also confirmed Pope Leo XIV received an invitation. Many countries, including Japan, Australia, South Korea, and several EU members, are still reviewing the proposal.