Trump to sign charter for new Gaza-focused peace board in Davos

U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to formally launch a new international diplomatic initiative with the signing of the "Board of Peace" charter in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday. Originally conceived to oversee Gaza's ceasefire and reconstruction, the body has evolved into a broader conflict-mediation platform, with a diverse group of over twenty nations agreeing to participate.

A Diverse Coalition of Member States

According to U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, more than 20 world leaders have accepted the invitation. The list includes key regional players such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar, alongside NATO members Türkiye and Hungary. Other participating states span several continents, including Morocco, Pakistan, Indonesia, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus. This composition gives the board significant representation from the Middle East, the Muslim world, and Eastern Europe.

Structure, Funding, and Leadership

The board's draft charter outlines a tiered membership system. Countries are initially granted a three-year term, with permanent seats reserved for those making a substantial financial commitment of at least $1 billion within the first year. President Trump is expected to serve as the board's lifetime chairman. A powerful executive committee is slated to include figures like former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and World Bank Group head Ajay Banga.

European Skepticism and Broader Mandate

The initiative has met with skepticism from several traditional U.S. allies in Europe. France, Norway, and Sweden have publicly declined to join, citing concerns it could undermine the United Nations. Other major European powers like Germany, the UK, and Italy have yet to commit. The board's creation follows the second phase of a Gaza ceasefire that halted a devastating conflict. Its mandate now extends beyond Gaza, positioning it as a potential new player in international peacebuilding, though its effectiveness and relationship with existing institutions like the UN remain to be seen.