Donald Trump’s Board of Peace is set to hold its inaugural meeting in Washington DC, focusing on the reconstruction of Gaza. The group, launched on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum last month, is viewed as an alternative to the United Nations, which Trump has frequently criticised.
Despite invitations to over 60 leaders, key democratic allies such as the UK, Canada, France, and Germany are notably absent. Russia and China have also not joined. Permanent membership requires a $1bn contribution. Around 24 countries have signed up, including Arab states like Jordan, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, as well as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Vietnam.
The board’s charter makes no reference to Gaza or the UN, although its original mandate called for aiding the 2.2 million Palestinians displaced by Israeli forces. Palestine is not a member, but Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza, are part of the board.
Palestinians have been assigned to a lower-tier technocratic committee, while high-profile figures including former UK prime minister Tony Blair and Jared Kushner sit on the executive board. Member states have pledged $5bn towards rebuilding Gaza, expected to be formally announced at the meeting.
Writing on Truth Social, Trump claimed the Board of Peace would “prove to be the most consequential international body in history.”
