Former US President Donald Trump is facing intense scrutiny after inviting nations to contribute $1 billion for permanent membership to his newly established Board of Peace (BOP). Critics have voiced concerns that the initiative could be an attempt to create an alternative to the United Nations.
A 'Prestigious' New International Body
Trump announced the board on Friday, framing it as a 'vital step' in executing his 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict. He later proclaimed on Truth Social that it was the 'Greatest and Most Prestigious Board ever assembled at any time, any place.'
A draft charter for the BOP, initially reported by Bloomberg, outlines that member states would typically serve a maximum of three years. However, a $1 billion contribution within the first year grants permanent membership. A US official confirmed to the Daily Mail that the contribution is not mandatory, but acts as a pathway to a permanent seat.
Officials stated that funds raised are intended to finance the administration's efforts to rebuild Gaza. The board's charter describes it as an organisation seeking to 'promote stability, restore dependable and lawful governance, and secure enduring peace' in conflict zones.
Structure, Power, and Mounting Criticism
According to the draft, Trump will serve as chairman, a role granting him control over the board's finances, the power to choose members and his successor, and final approval on all voting matters. The BOP would meet annually for votes and quarterly for other meetings.
The initiative has drawn strong opposition from several nations, sources told Bloomberg. Critics argue the BOP's mission closely mirrors that of the UN, with one diplomat describing it to Reuters as a '"Trump United Nations" that ignores the fundamentals of the UN charter.'
Daniel Forti of the International Crisis Group told the Associated Press the move appears to be a 'US shortcut in an attempt to wield its veto power on world affairs.' A US official countered that the BOP is not meant to replace the UN but could 'motivate international leaders to act.'
Dual Boards and Diplomatic Tensions
The broader BOP will oversee international peace relations, while a dedicated Gaza Executive Board will manage the Strip's reconstruction. This Gaza board has already created friction, with the Israeli prime minister's office stating it is 'at odds with Israeli policy.'
The appointment of Turkish and Egyptian figures is viewed as contentious. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has previously compared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler and praised Hamas.
Key appointments to the boards include:
- BOP Executive Board: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, White House Advisor Jared Kushner, and Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel.
- Gaza Executive Board: Sir Tony Blair, billionaire Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and figures from Turkey, Qatar, Egypt, and the UAE.
Former European Parliament member Nickolay Mladenov is expected to liaise with the Palestinian-run National Committee for Administration of Gaza (NCAG). The NCAG's general commissioner, Ali Shaath, said the committee would work under the guidance of the BOP and Trump to rebuild Gaza.
Argentinian President Javier Milei and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are among world leaders reportedly invited to join. As the proposal moves forward, its potential to reshape global diplomacy and the rebuilding of Gaza remains a subject of intense international debate.
