Why Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ is sparking global backlash?

Donald Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ is a proposed international organisation designed to intervene in regions affected by conflict and promote stability and governance.

While initially conceived to oversee the rebuilding of Gaza, its charter does not limit its scope to the Palestinian territory, allowing it to operate globally.

According to AFP, under the charter seen, Trump will serve as chairman of the Board of Peace while also acting separately as the United States’ representative. The chairman holds sweeping authority, including the power to create or dissolve subsidiary bodies and remove executive board members. The role can only be vacated through resignation or incapacity, meaning Trump could retain the chairmanship even after leaving office.

Membership rules and the $1 billion clause

Countries can only join the Board of Peace by invitation from the US president and must be represented by their head of state or government.

Key provisions include:

• Standard membership limited to three years
• Countries contributing over $1 billion within the first year are exempt from term limits
• Funding beyond voluntary contributions is not mandatory
• Annual meetings will be held, with decisions taken by majority vote, and the chairman casting the deciding vote in case of a tie.

Countries invited to join

Invitations have been sent to dozens of nations, including US allies and rivals.

Countries that have confirmed participation include:

• Israel
• Hungary
• Argentina
• Azerbaijan
• United Arab Emirates
• Egypt
• Kazakhstan

Canada said it would participate but ruled out paying the $1 billion contribution.

China confirmed receiving an invitation but reiterated support for a UN-centred international system.

Russia, Ukraine invitations spark concern

Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have been invited, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Zelensky said it would be “very hard” to sit on a council alongside Russia, while diplomats are reportedly exploring options. Britain echoed concerns, stating that Russia is the aggressor in an illegal war and questioning Moscow’s commitment to peace.

The executive board will consist of seven members, all selected by Trump. Confirmed names include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special negotiator Steve Witkoff, son-in-law Jared Kushner, former UK prime minister Tony Blair, billionaire financier Marc Rowan, World Bank president Ajay Banga and Trump aide Robert Gabriel.

Membership of the board is by invitation only and must be represented by heads of state or government. Standard membership terms are limited to three years, but countries contributing more than $1 billion in the first year can secure permanent membership. While the charter says contributions are voluntary, the provision has raised concerns about wealth-based influence.

Several US allies and adversaries have received invitations, including China, Russia and Ukraine. Leaders such as Hungary’s Viktor Orban, Argentina’s Javier Milei, Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev and Kazakhstan’s Kassym-Jomart Tokayev have confirmed participation. The UAE, Egypt and Canada have also agreed to take part, though Canada has ruled out paying for permanent membership.

France has declined to join, triggering a threat from Trump to impose tariffs on French wine. Ukraine and the UK have raised objections to Russia’s inclusion, while Norway has rejected the proposal outright, questioning its intent and structure.

The charter states that the Board of Peace will formally enter into force once three states express consent to be bound by its terms, setting the stage for its official launch in Davos.
(With AFP inputs)