Trump seeks $1bn from board members; Rubio says initiative could model peace efforts globally
US President Donald Trump on Thursday launched his Board of Peace, initially aimed at solidifying the fragile Gaza ceasefire, but which he envisions taking on a broader role, raising concerns among other global powers. Trump said the board would coordinate with the United Nations.
Trump, who will chair the board, invited dozens of world leaders to join, stating that he wants it to address challenges beyond Gaza, stirring misgivings that it could undermine the UN’s role as the primary platform for global diplomacy and conflict resolution.
Regional powers, including Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, along with major emerging nations such as Indonesia, have joined the board, while traditional Western allies and top global powers have been more cautious. Representatives from Israel and the Palestinian Authority were notably absent from the signing ceremony.
Read: Trump launches ‘Board of Peace’ as allies fear challenge to UN role
Trump said permanent members would be required to contribute $1 billion each. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the board would focus on ensuring the Gaza peace plan is implemented, while also “serving as an example of what’s possible in other parts of the world.”
What is Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’?
Trump first proposed the Board of Peace last September when he announced his plan to end the Gaza war. He later made clear the board’s remit would be expanded beyond Gaza to tackle other conflicts worldwide.
The US president will be the inaugural chairman of the board and it will be tasked with promoting peace around the world and working to resolve conflicts, according to a copy of the draft charter seen by Reuters.
Member states would be limited to three-year terms unless they pay $1 billion each to fund the board’s activities and earn permanent membership, the charter says.
The White House has named US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British prime minister Tony Blair and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, as members of the initiative’s founding Executive Board.
