On Thursday at the World Economic Forum in Davos, President Donald Trump unveiled the Board of Peace, a new international oversight body intended to guide Gaza’s postwar reconstruction and potentially rival the United Nations in influence. The announcement came during a charter-signing ceremony where Trump was joined by representatives from 19 countries, though several key U.S. allies were notably absent, highlighting the divisive nature of the initiative.
The Board of Peace is a central component of Trump’s 20-point plan for a Gaza ceasefire, which was endorsed by the U.N. Security Council but has faced skepticism from traditional partners. Trump described the board as “for the world” and emphasized its role in overseeing the ceasefire, with plans to open the Rafah border crossing soon. However, the ambiguity of its mission and the inclusion of authoritarian states like Russia have raised concerns among European and other allied governments.
Elon Musk made his first appearance at Davos, using his session to humorously critique Trump’s initiative. Musk joked about the similarity between “peace” and “piece,” referencing Trump’s controversial pushes regarding Greenland and Venezuela. “I heard about the formation of the peace summit, and I was like, is that p-i-e-c-e?” Musk said, drawing laughs from the audience while subtly highlighting unease over U.S. foreign policy shifts.
Trump also held a private meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, lasting about an hour and described as “very good” by Trump. Zelensky later announced that trilateral talks involving the United States, Ukraine, and Russia would begin on Friday in the United Arab Emirates, following U.S. consultations in Moscow. This development signals ongoing efforts to resolve the nearly four-year war in Ukraine, with Zelensky stressing the need for compromises from all sides.
International reaction to the Board of Peace has been cautious. Britain, France, Norway, Sweden, and Canada have declined to participate, citing legal and strategic concerns. French officials fear the board could undermine the U.N., while British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper pointed to issues with involving Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. Despite Trump’s claim of 59 nations signing on, the limited turnout underscores diplomatic challenges.
The launch occurs amid heightened tensions with Iran, where Trump has threatened military action over a violent crackdown on protests. Trump argued that his hardline stance on Tehran helped facilitate the Gaza ceasefire, but the broader regional instability adds complexity to the Board’s mission. Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire, with over 2 million Palestinians suffering after years of conflict.
Looking ahead, the success of the Board of Peace hinges on securing broader international support and clarifying its operational framework. The upcoming trilateral talks on Ukraine and potential discussions with Russia about Gaza funding will be critical tests. As global leaders weigh their involvement, the initiative reflects Trump’s unconventional approach to diplomacy, balancing ambitious goals with pragmatic realities in a polarized world.
