US President Donald Trump is facing difficulties in attracting Western allies to his initiative called the "Board of Peace", an international structure that was initially presented as a mechanism for rebuilding Gaza, but which now aims to address global conflicts — with a much broader and unclear mandate.
From Gaza to a global structure
The board was proposed as part of the second phase of the US plan for a ceasefire in Gaza, approved by the United Nations Security Council in November. But according to the draft charter obtained by CNN, the document no longer mentions Gaza and defines the board as an organization that promotes “stability, peace and governance” in conflict zones around the world.
Trump is expected to lead the board indefinitely, while the leadership structure includes figures such as Jared Kushner, Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Who accepted the invitation?
The invitation to join the Peace Board has been accepted by several Middle Eastern and other countries, including:
• United Arab Emirates
• Saudi Arabia
• Egypt
• Qatar
• Turkey
• Pakistan
• Hungary
• Morocco
• Kosovo
• Albania •
Bulgaria •
Argentina
• Paraguay
• Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia
• Indonesia and Vietnam
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also joined the board, despite facing an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes.
Even the leader of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, often described as "Europe's last dictator", has agreed to participate.
Who has rejected it?
Several Western countries have refused:
• The United Kingdom, due to concerns about Russia's involvement
• France and Norway, citing conflict with the UN's role
• Ukraine, where Volodymyr Zelensky said it is impossible to sit on a council with Russia
• Italy, which has raised constitutional obstacles
• China, invited but not confirmed, has reaffirmed support for the UN
Controversy and concerns
One of the most controversial elements is the idea that countries would pay $1 billion for a permanent seat on the board — funds that the US says would be used to rebuild Gaza. Critics warn of the risk of corruption, politicization and a weakening of the UN's role.
Trump has stated that the board "could" replace the UN, adding to concerns that this structure could serve as a parallel vehicle for American global influence.
A peace board with opponents of peace
Invitations to Russia, China and authoritarian regimes — including Trump's claim that Vladimir Putin could join — have raised alarms that a structure aimed at peace could include states actively at war.
