U.S. President Donald Trump has initiated the Board of Peace to address global conflicts, beginning with Gaza. While numerous countries have accepted invitations, several European allies have declined. Diplomats warn that the initiative could undermine the United Nations' work.
U.S. President Donald Trump first proposed the Board of Peace in September 2025 as part of his plan to end the Gaza war, later expanding its scope to global conflicts. Trump will serve as the inaugural chairman, with member states limited to three-year terms unless they contribute $1 billion for permanent membership, according to a draft charter. The founding Executive Board includes Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Jared Kushner.
Up to 25 countries have accepted invitations so far, including Middle Eastern allies such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, and Egypt. NATO members Turkey and Hungary, along with Morocco, Pakistan, Indonesia, Kosovo, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Paraguay, Vietnam, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus, have also agreed. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko accepted amid improving U.S. ties. Russia and China have not responded, likely due to their strong support for the United Nations as Security Council veto powers.
Norway, Sweden, and France have declined, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot stating, 'Yes to implementing the peace plan... but no to creating an organization... which would replace the United Nations.' Italy views joining as potentially unconstitutional. Canada has agreed in principle but is negotiating details. Britain, Germany, and Japan have not publicly committed, while Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said it is hard to imagine sharing a board with Russia after four years of war. Trump downplayed concerns, saying, 'I believe you got to let the U.N. continue because the potential is so great.'
The board's legal authority and relationship with the UN remain unclear, though Trump holds veto power. A separate Gaza Executive Board supports a transitional Palestinian administration. The White House expects about 30 of 50 invited countries to join, though officials report only 18 confirmations.
