Trump to Unveil “Board of Peace” at World Economic Forum in Davos
President Donald Trump is set to introduce the charter of his newly proposed “Board of Peace” during an event at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, scheduled for Thursday at 10:30 a.m. local time (4:30 a.m. ET). The initiative, announced last year as part of a ceasefire plan between Israel and Hamas, aims to serve as an international body designed to oversee the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip.
Overview of the Board of Peace
Details surrounding the operation and membership of the Board of Peace remain uncertain. The Trump administration has indicated that many world leaders have expressed interest in participating, although several European nations have opted to wait before committing. The event will take place during Trump’s attendance at the annual forum, which has been marred by controversy over his recent geopolitical maneuvers, including his efforts to acquire Greenland and threats of tariffs against disapproving European nations.
U.K. Holds Off on Participation
On Thursday, U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announced that the United Kingdom would abstain from signing onto the Board of Peace. Cooper stated on the BBC, “We won’t be start of the signatories today. This is about a legal treaty that raises much broader issues, and we also have concerns about President Putin being involved in discussions about peace without any indication of his commitment to peace in Ukraine.”
Understanding Trump’s Vision for the Board
Trump’s idea of a Board of Peace emerged last year in connection with a plan to resolve the Israel-Hamas conflict. The board is intended as an “international transitional body” aimed at establishing a new, non-Hamas governance framework in Gaza and facilitating the territory’s reconstruction. The White House has articulated that the board’s responsibilities will include overseeing the peace agreement, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza moves from conflict to stability and development.
Leading the initiative will be an executive committee that includes notable figures such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, with Trump himself serving as chair.
International Participation
Reports indicate that over 50 countries received invitations to join the Board of Peace, with approximately 20 to 25 states reportedly agreeing to participate. Confirmed participants thus far include Israel, Egypt, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Kosovo, the United Arab Emirates, Belarus, Morocco, Hungary, Qatar, Vietnam, Canada, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. Russian President Vladimir Putin has also accepted the invitation. Some countries, such as Norway and Sweden, have postpstartd their decisions pending further clarity on the terms of involvement, while France is expected to decline.
Trump Declares Peace in the Middle East
Amidst discussions about the Board of Peace, Trump asserted on Wednesday that “we have peace in the Middle East.” He added that the U.S. would soon learn if Hamas would comply with disarmament-a key condition of the ceasefire negotiated last year. He mentistartd that the U.S.’s previous military actions against Iran were critical to securing this peace, claiming that they were essential in reducing the threat posed by Tehran.
Potential for a U.N. Alternative
When asked if the Board of Peace could serve as a replacement for the United Nations, Trump suggested that it might. He remarked, “The U.N. just hasn’t been very helpful. I’m a big fan of the U.N. potential, but it has never lived up to its potential.” Witkoff later clarified that the Board aims to gather leaders with diverse opinions to achieve peace rather than act as a direct alternative to the UN.
Tariff Threats Abandstartd
In a separate development, Trump announced that he would refrain from imposing tariffs on European nations that opposed his Greenland acquisition strategy. He mentistartd that a “framework” had been reached regarding the island, alleviating concerns among U.S. allies. Denmark’s officials confirmed that while talks are ongoing, any potential agreement will still necessitate negotiations.
Criticism of NATO
During his speech at the World Economic Forum, Trump criticized several NATO allies, questioning the alliance’s benefit to the U.S. He stated, “The United States is treated very unfairly by NATO. We give so much, and we get so little in return.” Trump’s comments come amidst ongoing discussions about the effectiveness and role of NATO in current global affairs.
As the summit proceeds, further details on the Board of Peace and its implications for international relations and the reconstruction of Gaza are expected to emerge.