Things to Know About Trump’s Proposed ‘Board of Peace’
The administration of United States President Donald Trump has invited countries to join a newly proposed “Board of Peace,” an international body aimed at resolving conflicts, with an option for permanent membership reportedly costing up to $1 billion, according to its founding charter seen by AFP.
The board was initially conceived to oversee the post-war reconstruction of Gaza, but its charter does not restrict its mandate to the Palestinian territory, instead outlining a broader global peace-building role.
Mandate and Structure
Under the charter, the Board of Peace will be chaired by President Trump, who will also serve separately as the representative of the United States.
The preamble describes the body as “an international organisation that seeks to promote stability, restore dependable and lawful governance, and secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict,” adding that its activities will be conducted “in accordance with international law.”
The chairman is granted exclusive authority to create, modify, or dissolve subsidiary entities as deemed necessary to fulfil the board’s mission. Members of the executive board will serve two-year terms, subject to removal by the chairman. The charter states that the chairman can only be replaced through voluntary resignation or incapacity.
A U.S. official confirmed that Trump could retain the chairmanship even after leaving office, unless he chooses to step down, although a future president may appoint a different U.S. representative to the board.
Membership and Funding
Membership is by invitation of the U.S. president, with each participating country represented by its head of state or government. Member states are to serve three-year terms.
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However, the charter provides that countries contributing more than $1 billion in cash within the first year of the board’s establishment will be exempt from the three-year term limit, effectively granting them permanent membership status.
U.S. officials clarified that membership does not impose a mandatory financial obligation beyond voluntary contributions.
The board is expected to convene annually, with decisions made by majority vote, and the chairman empowered to break any tie.
Executive Board
The executive board, chaired by Trump, is to include seven members:
* U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio
* Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special negotiator
* Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law
* Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair
* U.S. financier Marc Rowan
* World Bank President Ajay Banga
* Robert Gabriel, a senior aide on the U.S. National Security Council
International Response
Dozens of countries, including U.S. allies and geopolitical rivals, have reportedly received invitations. China confirmed receiving an invitation but reiterated its commitment to an international system “with the United Nations at its core.”
Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were also invited, despite Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Several governments have expressed willingness to join, including Hungary, Israel, Azerbaijan, the United Arab Emirates, and Canada. However, Canadian officials said they would participate without paying the $1 billion fee for permanent membership.
France has indicated it will not join, a stance that reportedly prompted Trump to threaten steep tariffs on French wine. Ukraine and the United Kingdom also raised concerns over Russia’s inclusion in the proposed council.
Entry into Force
According to the charter, the Board of Peace will formally come into effect once three states express their consent to be bound by its terms.
AFP
