Trump's 'Board of Peace' Raises Questions Over a Parallel Global Body

Former US president Donald Trump has unveiled an international initiative called the Board of Peace, triggering debate over whether it is meant to function as a parallel forum to the United Nations as its scope expands beyond the war in Gaza.

The Board of Peace was initially framed as part of a post-war arrangement for Gaza, with a mandate covering ceasefire monitoring, reconstruction oversight and governance planning. Trump has argued that existing international institutions have failed to deliver results in prolonged conflicts, and that a new structure is required to move faster and act more decisively.

Draft documents circulating among diplomats outline a central executive council chaired by Trump, supported by prominent political and financial figures. These include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British prime minister Tony Blair, World Bank president Ajay Banga, and Trump adviser Jared Kushner.

• Donald Trump unveils Board of Peace, sparking UN parallel body debate
• Trump-led peace board proposal expands beyond Gaza ceasefire planning
• Diplomats question impact of new forum on United Nations authority

One proposed rule would require countries seeking permanent representation to commit at least $1 billion, a condition that has drawn criticism from diplomats and analysts.

Invitations to join the board have reportedly been sent to around 60 countries. Officials in Kazakhstan have confirmed acceptance, while governments in India and Pakistan are said to be reviewing the proposal. Several European and Asian capitals have not publicly commented on their positions.

Sceptics argue that the initiative risks weakening the UN’s role in conflict resolution and international legitimacy, warning that decision-making could become concentrated around US political influence. Supporters counter that the Board of Peace could provide an alternative platform for countries frustrated with slow multilateral processes.

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As governments assess the costs and implications of joining, the Board of Peace remains a proposal with uncertain authority, raising questions about how it would coexist with existing global institutions.