US President Donald Trump used the World Economic Forum stage on Thursday to unveil his new “Board of Peace”.
A body he says will start by shoring up Gaza’s fragile ceasefire but could eventually stretch far beyond it.
How far? In Trump’s own words: “Once this board is completely formed, we can do pretty much whatever we want to do.”
Chaired by Trump himself, the board is pitched as a partner to the United Nations, not a replacement.
“The UN has tremendous potential that hasn’t been fully utilised,” he said, promising to work “in conjunction with the United Nations.”
Still, the announcement raised eyebrows.
Here’s the catch: permanent members are expected to chip in $1 billion each.
That may explain why other global heavyweights are hesitating.
Mixed Global Support
France has declined, Britain is staying out for now, Russia says it’s “studying” the idea, and China remains silent.
Notably absent from the room? Israel and the Palestinian Authority.
About 35 countries — including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Turkey — have signed on.
But few are democracies, prompting quiet concern that the board could dilute the UN’s role as the world’s main diplomatic referee.
A UN spokesperson stressed its involvement would be limited strictly to the Gaza plan.
Still, Trump remains upbeat. “This could be something very unique for the world,” he said.
Whether it becomes a peace breakthrough — or just another power play — is the question diplomats in Davos are now asking.
