What's happened
On January 22, 2026, former President Donald Trump officially launched the 'Board of Peace' at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Initially aimed at overseeing Gaza's reconstruction post-conflict, the board's remit has expanded to address global conflicts. Trump will chair the board for life, with membership requiring a $1 billion fee for permanent status. The initiative has drawn mixed international reactions, with some countries joining and others, including key European allies, declining over concerns it may undermine the United Nations.
What's behind the headline?
A New Global Power Structure Centered on Trump
The Board of Peace represents a significant shift in international diplomacy, positioning Donald Trump at the helm of a new global peacekeeping body with unprecedented executive powers. The lifetime chairmanship and veto rights granted to Trump signal a consolidation of authority rarely seen in multilateral institutions.
Ambitious Mandate and Financial Barriers
Originally focused on Gaza, the board's expanded remit to global conflicts and the $1 billion fee for permanent membership suggest an exclusivity that could reshape international alliances. This financial barrier may limit participation to wealthier nations, potentially sidelining smaller or less affluent states.
Undermining the United Nations
Several European nations and international observers fear the board could rival or undermine the UN's authority. The charter's language criticizing existing institutions and emphasizing a "more nimble" approach hints at a challenge to established multilateral frameworks.
Mixed International Reception
While some US allies and regional powers like Israel, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt have joined, others including France, Norway, Sweden, and the UK have declined or expressed reservations, particularly over the inclusion of Russia and Belarus. This division reflects broader geopolitical tensions and skepticism about the board's legitimacy and effectiveness.
Potential Consequences
The board's success depends on its ability to navigate complex international politics and deliver tangible peace outcomes. Its formation may accelerate shifts away from traditional UN-led diplomacy, potentially fragmenting global governance. For citizens worldwide, this could mean new diplomatic dynamics but also uncertainty about the future of international peace efforts.
What the papers say
The New York Times' Anton Troianovski highlights the unprecedented nature of the board, noting Trump's lifelong chairmanship and the broad ambitions to reshape the post-World War II international order. Reuters provides detailed insights into the board's structure, including the $1 billion fee for permanent membership and the inclusion of figures like Marco Rubio and Tony Blair, while also reporting on the cautious or negative responses from European allies such as France and Norway. Al Jazeera's Tareq Abu Azzoum offers a ground-level perspective from Gaza, where Palestinians feel detached from the initiative, viewing it as a management of their plight rather than a rights-based solution. The Moscow Times reports on Russia's measured response, with Putin reviewing the charter and considering membership, reflecting the geopolitical balancing act. The New Arab and The Times of Israel detail regional reactions, including Israel's acceptance despite objections to the Gaza Executive Board's composition, and the mixed responses from Middle Eastern countries. The Independent and Sky News provide context on the diplomatic tensions and the potential challenge the board poses to the United Nations, with some countries fearing it could undermine established international institutions. Together, these sources paint a picture of a controversial, ambitious initiative that is reshaping diplomatic alliances and raising questions about the future of global governance.
How we got here
The Board of Peace was conceived following a UN Security Council resolution authorizing international stabilization in Gaza after a devastating conflict. Proposed by Trump in September 2025, it was intended to manage Gaza's ceasefire and reconstruction. However, its scope has broadened to global conflict resolution, with Trump as lifelong chairman and a $1 billion fee for permanent membership, raising diplomatic concerns.
Go deeper
- What is the Board of Peace's role beyond Gaza?
- Why are some countries refusing to join the Board of Peace?
- How does the Board of Peace affect the United Nations?
Common question
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What is Trump's new 'Board of Peace' and how might it impact global diplomacy?
President Trump has recently proposed a controversial 'Board of Peace' aimed at overseeing conflicts like Gaza's rebuilding. With only Hungary accepting the offer so far, many are questioning what this means for international diplomacy and the role of traditional bodies like the UN. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this new initiative and its potential implications worldwide.
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What Does the Rise of Trump's 'Board of Peace' Mean for Global Diplomacy?
In 2026, President Trump’s new 'Board of Peace' has sparked widespread debate about its impact on international relations. With countries like the UAE backing the initiative and concerns over its influence on the UN, many are asking what this means for global diplomacy. Could this new body challenge existing international institutions? And what are the risks involved? Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this emerging geopolitical development.
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What is Trump's 'Board of Peace' and how does it differ from the UN?
In January 2026, President Trump announced a new international body called the 'Board of Peace,' which has sparked widespread curiosity and concern. With backing from the UAE and a focus on global conflict resolution, this initiative raises questions about its purpose, legitimacy, and potential impact on existing international organizations like the UN. Below, we explore what this new board is, how it differs from traditional bodies, and what it could mean for global diplomacy.
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What’s Next for International Peace and Power Dynamics?
The global landscape is shifting rapidly, with new peace initiatives, rising tensions over Greenland, and the decline of US influence. Curious about how these developments will shape the future? Below, we explore key questions about the changing world order, international diplomacy, and what smaller nations can do in this uncertain era.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Jared Corey Kushner is an American investor, real-estate developer, and newspaper publisher who is currently senior advisor to his father-in-law, Donald Trump, the President of the United States.
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Anthony Charles Lynton Blair is a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007 and Leader of the Labour Party from 1994 to 2007.
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Turkey, officially the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan peninsula in Southeastern Europe.
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, charged with ensuring international peace and security, recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly, and approving any changes to the UN