Governments around the world have responded with caution to an invitation from former US President Donald Trump to join a new global 'board for peace'. The initiative, which aims to resolve international conflicts, has raised concerns among diplomats that it could undermine the established work of the United Nations.
Mixed Reactions from World Leaders
According to diplomatic sources, invitations began arriving in European capitals on Saturday and were sent to approximately 60 nations. The list includes the leaders of Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Canada, the European Commission, and key Middle Eastern powers. However, the response has been largely reserved.
So far, only Hungary—whose prime minister, Viktor Orbán, is a close Trump ally—has offered an unequivocal acceptance. Other invited nations are still considering the proposal, with many officials expressing scepticism about the plan's structure and its potential impact on existing multilateral institutions.
Structure and Controversial Funding Model
Documents seen by Reuters outline the proposed board's framework. It would be chaired for life by Donald Trump and would initially focus on the Gaza conflict before expanding to address other global disputes. A particularly contentious clause in the draft charter states that member nations would be limited to three-year terms unless they contribute US$1 billion each to fund the board's activities, thereby earning permanent membership.
The plan has already sparked controversy in specific regions. In Israel, far-right ministers have criticised the White House's selections for the panel, which includes representatives from Turkey and Qatar—both nations that have been openly critical of Israel's military actions in Gaza.
Potential Clash with UN Mandate
The proposal enters a complex diplomatic landscape. In November, the UN Security Council authorised a mandate for a Board of Peace, but strictly limited its scope. This UN-backed board is authorised only through 2027 and is solely focused on the Gaza conflict. The resolution passed with abstentions from Russia and China, two permanent, veto-wielding members, who complained it did not assign the UN a clear enough role in Gaza's future.
Diplomats now fear that Trump's parallel, privately chaired initiative could create confusion, divert resources, and ultimately harm the coherence and effectiveness of international peace efforts led by the United Nations. The coming weeks will reveal whether more nations join Hungary in embracing the plan or if the cautious approach prevails.
