Former US President Donald Trump is reportedly pushing for a high-profile ceremony at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week to formally establish his proposed 'Board of Peace'. The move has triggered a frantic global response, with many nations expressing deep reservations about the organisation's hefty membership fee and the unprecedented power it would grant Trump himself.
A Rush to Ratify a Controversial Charter
According to an invitation shared online, Trump has asked heads of state and government to join him in signing the Board's charter at 10:30am on Thursday in Switzerland. The short notice has left world capitals scrambling to formulate a response to what is widely seen as an attempt to create a rival to the United Nations, an institution Trump has long criticised.
The core concerns, as detailed in letters sent to around 60 nations, revolve around two major issues. Firstly, the charter proposes a staggering membership fee of $1 billion per nation. Secondly, it grants the Board's chairman – a role Trump would assume – near-total authority, including the right to invite and expel members, veto decisions, and have final say on interpreting the charter.
Global Reactions: From Enthusiasm to Outright Rejection
The proposal has received a mixed and telling international reception. Staunch Trump allies like Hungary's Viktor Orbán and Argentina's Javier Milei have enthusiastically accepted. However, other key nations have reacted with caution or outright opposition.
France stated it is examining the legal framework but "does not intend to give a favorable response," citing major questions about the principles of the UN. Israel objected that the plan "was not coordinated with Israel and is contrary to its policy," despite the Board originating from a Gaza peace plan. Canada said it was open "in principle" but would not pay any fee, while the UK said it needed time to consider the idea.
Further skepticism was voiced by Poland's Donald Tusk, who highlighted the concerning invitation extended to Russia, a nation still waging war in Ukraine. Belarus, a key Russian ally, was also on the guest list. European officials have told Bloomberg they are requesting significant changes to the terms and have lobbied Arab nations to do the same.
The Board's Ambiguous Mission and Powerful Figures
The 'Peace Board' concept grew from a November UN Security Council resolution concerning Gaza. However, a leaked draft charter contains zero mentions of Gaza, instead outlining a broad mission to promote stability and "secure enduring peace" in conflict zones, while taking veiled swipes at the UN's own peacebuilding efforts.
The structure of the proposed body solidifies Trump's inner circle's influence. The executive board tasked with implementing decisions would include figures such as Trump's secretary of state Marco Rubio, ally Steve Witkoff, son-in-law Jared Kushner, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
With the Thursday deadline looming, the Davos gathering has become an unexpected stage for a diplomatic showdown over the future of international governance and the vision of a post-UN world order championed by Donald Trump.
