Source NDTV
DAVOS, Switzerland – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the international diplomatic community, President Donald Trump officially launched his “Board of Peace” (BoP) on Thursday at the World Economic Forum. The initiative, described by Trump as the “most prestigious board ever assembled,” aims to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza and resolve broader global conflicts.
Among the most notable developments is the inclusion of Pakistan, which formally accepted the invitation to join the board this week.
A New Global Architecture
The Board of Peace is the cornerstone of the Trump administration’s 20-point “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.” While initially focused on the post-war transition in the Palestinian enclave, the board’s charter suggests a much wider mandate that some analysts believe is intended to rival the United Nations.
Key features of the board include:
Leadership: Donald Trump serves as the Chairman for life, holding exclusive authority to appoint members and set the agenda.
Membership: Over 50 countries were invited. As of today, approximately 35 world leaders have committed, including those from Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the UAE, and Argentina.
The “Entry Fee”: Reports indicate a proposed $1 billion contribution for nations seeking permanent membership status to fund long-term reconstruction.
Pakistan’s Strategic Entry
Pakistan’s decision to join the board was confirmed by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accepted the invitation from President Trump, stating that Islamabad is committed to a “lasting solution to the Palestine issue” within the framework of UN Security Council resolutions.
The move is seen as a high-stakes diplomatic balancing act for Pakistan. By joining, Islamabad secures a seat at a table chaired by the U.S. President, potentially mending strained ties with Washington. However, the decision has already drawn sharp criticism from domestic opposition leaders who fear the board could undermine the UN and tie Pakistan to “unilateral U.S. adventurism.”
The Governing Tiers
The Board of Peace operates through a complex, three-tier structure designed to manage Gaza’s transition from conflict to self-rule:
Tier Composition Primary Focus
Board of Peace World Leaders (Trump, Sharif, Erdogan, etc.) Strategic oversight and global conflict resolution.
Executive Board Top Aides & Financiers (Jared Kushner, Marco Rubio, Tony Blair) Portfolios for investment, funding, and regional relations.
Gaza Executive Board Diplomats & Experts (Nickolay Mladenov, etc.) Oversight of the Palestinian technocratic committee (NCAG) on the ground.
Global Reaction: Hope and Skepticism
While many Middle Eastern nations have joined the initiative, several European powers, including France and the United Kingdom, have so far declined or expressed deep caution. Critics argue the board’s structure—placing billionaires and U.S. political figures in charge of sovereign reconstruction—resembles a “commercial trusteeship” rather than a traditional diplomatic mission.
“The United Nations never helped me,” Trump remarked during a press conference in Davos, defending the board’s creation. “This board will be nimble, it will be fast, and it will actually get the job done.”
As the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement begins, the world is watching to see if this “Board of Peace” can deliver the stability it promises or if it will fundamentally fracture the existing global order.
