World leaders show caution on Trump’s broader ‘Board of Peace’ amid fears for UN

Several governments have so far refrained from issuing public statements on the proposed initiative, choosing instead to convey their concerns privately through diplomatic channels. Officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said they were wary of openly criticizing the plan while discussions were still ongoing. Behind the scenes, diplomats warned that the proposal could weaken established United Nations mechanisms and set a precedent that bypasses multilateral processes. Some governments fear that the initiative may dilute the authority of the U.N. by creating parallel structures, potentially complicating international coordination and undermining decades of consensus-based global governance efforts.

Trump’s Proposed Board of Peace

According to a draft charter and invitation letter seen by Reuters, the proposed Board of Peace would be chaired for life by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The board would initially focus on the Gaza conflict before expanding to address other international disputes.

Under the proposal, member states would be limited to three-year terms unless they contribute $1 billion each to secure permanent membership. The White House defended the arrangement, saying it would reward countries demonstrating a strong commitment to peace, security and prosperity.

Mixed International Responses

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, speaking during a visit to South Korea, said Italy was “ready to do our part,” though it was unclear whether her remarks referred specifically to Gaza or to broader peace efforts. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he had agreed in principle to the Board of Peace for Gaza, while noting that key details were still under negotiation.

U.N. Mandate and Major Power Concerns

The United Nations Security Council authorized a Board of Peace in November, but only through 2027 and exclusively for the Gaza conflict. Russia and China, both veto-wielding members, abstained from the vote, arguing that the resolution failed to give the United Nations a clear role in Gaza’s future.

‘Dark Times’: Fears of Undermining the United Nations

The inclusion of a formal charter in Trump’s invitation letter has raised alarms among several European governments. One diplomat described the initiative as a “Trump United Nations” that ignores the fundamental principles of the U.N. Charter. Other Western diplomats warned the proposal could weaken the United Nations if implemented.

Plans Beyond Gaza

Multiple diplomats and an Israeli source said Trump intends for the Board of Peace to eventually expand beyond Gaza and oversee other conflicts he claims to have helped resolve. Leaders from France, Germany, Italy, Hungary, Australia, Canada, the European Commission and key Middle Eastern countries were among those invited.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of Trump, publicly confirmed his participation, calling the invitation an honour.

Call for a New Peace-Building Model

The draft document argues that lasting peace requires “pragmatic judgment, common-sense solutions, and the courage to depart from institutions that have too often failed.” It calls for a more agile and effective international peace-building body.

U.N. Response

A spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said member states are free to form alternative groupings, while stressing that the United Nations would continue to carry out its mandated work. Another senior U.N. official emphasized that the U.N. remains the only institution with the moral and legal authority to bring together all nations.

U.N. General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock warned that questioning this role could lead to “very, very dark times.”

Trump’s Skepticism of Multilateral Institutions

Trump has long criticized multilateral organizations, particularly the United Nations, questioning their effectiveness and accountability. The United States, which is required to contribute 22% of the U.N.’s regular budget, currently owes $1.5 billion, according to U.N. officials.

Board Members Named

The White House has named several individuals who would sit on the Board of Peace, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. The board would outlive its initial role overseeing Gaza’s temporary governance under a fragile ceasefire.

Gaza Governance and Criticism

Israel and Hamas have approved Trump’s plan, which proposes an international board overseeing a Palestinian technocratic administration during a transitional period. However, rights advocates have criticized the proposal, likening it to a colonial-style governance model. Blair’s involvement has also drawn criticism due to his role in the Iraq war and Britain’s imperial legacy in the Middle East.

The White House has not clarified the responsibilities of individual board members, and no Palestinians have been named so far. Additional appointments are expected. A separate 11-member Gaza Executive Board, including representatives from Turkey and Qatar, has also been announced, though Israel said it was not consulted and that the move contradicts its policy. Ream More:Martindox