Trump’s Board of Peace Gains Global Membership Amid Western Skepticism
Updated (16 articles)
Board Expansion and Invitation Scope The Board of Peace, chaired by former President Donald Trump, has invited roughly 50 states while expecting about 30 to formally join, extending its remit from a Gaza cease‑fire overseer to a broader conflict‑mediation body [1][2][3][4][5]. European nations such as France, Norway, Sweden and Slovenia have already declined, and many others have not yet responded, leaving the final composition uncertain [1][4]. The White House frames the outreach as part of a “Gaza ceasefire framework” that could evolve into a global mediation platform [1][2].
Western Nations’ Reservations and Declines The United Kingdom announced it will not sign the board at the Davos ceremony, citing legal‑treaty concerns and unease over Russian participation [2]. France, Norway, Sweden and Slovenia also rejected invitations, questioning the board’s relationship to the United Nations and its funding model [4]. Italy’s Meloni and Ireland’s McEntee expressed cautious positions, while the UK highlighted the need to address “phase two” of the Gaza peace process before committing [2][3].
Muslim‑Majority and Regional Participation Seven Muslim‑majority states—Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan and Qatar—have signed on, joining Israel and a slate of other nations including the UAE, Bahrain, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Morocco and Vietnam [5][3][1]. The board’s charter emphasizes a permanent Gaza cease‑fire and reconstruction, though it does not explicitly reference Palestinian territory [5]. Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko also joined, expanding the board’s Eurasian representation [3].
Putin Invitation Ambiguity and Russian Stance Trump publicly claimed Russian President Vladimir Putin accepted the invitation, but Putin has only said Russia is “studying” the offer and hinted at possible contributions from frozen assets [5][2][3]. The UK’s foreign secretary warned that Russian involvement could compromise the board’s credibility, especially given ongoing Ukraine hostilities [2]. Russia’s final decision remains pending, creating diplomatic tension among invited members [5].
Charter Details and Funding Mechanism Leaked documents describe the board as an international organization with three‑year renewable terms, a $1 billion contribution required for permanent seats, and Trump serving as indefinite chairman with authority to appoint an executive board [2][3][4][5]. Executive board members include Jared Kushner, Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff and Tony Blair, signaling a blend of political and business leadership [3]. While the charter positions the board as a “stability and governance” entity, diplomats warn it could duplicate or sideline UN functions [3][4].
Sources (5 articles)
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[1]
AP: Trump's Board of Peace expands invites as some European nations decline: Details the invitation list, expected 30‑plus participants, European refusals, and the board’s broadened mediation ambitions .
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[2]
BBC: UK holds off joining Trump's peace board over Putin concerns: Reports the UK’s decision to delay signing, concerns about Putin’s unconfirmed participation, and charter specifics such as term length and funding .
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[3]
CNN: Trump’s Board of Peace attracts allies while alarming Western partners: Highlights the wide acceptance by UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, etc., the inclusion of Belarus and alleged Russian acceptance, and diplomatic worries about UN replacement and $1 bn fees .
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[4]
AP: Trump pushes Board of Peace, challenging UN Security Council: Emphasizes the board’s global conflict‑mediation scope, UN Security Council’s role in Gaza, and the refusal of France, Norway, Sweden and Slovenia .
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[5]
BBC: Seven Muslim-majority nations join Trump's Board of Peace as Putin invitation is reviewed: Focuses on the seven Muslim‑majority signatories, Israel’s participation, the pending Russian decision, and the Vatican’s invitation .
All related articles (16 articles)
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AP: Trump's Board of Peace expands invites as some European nations decline
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BBC: UK holds off joining Trump's peace board over Putin concerns
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CNN: Trump’s Board of Peace attracts allies while alarming Western partners
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AP: Trump pushes Board of Peace, challenging UN Security Council
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BBC: Seven Muslim-majority nations join Trump's Board of Peace as Putin invitation is reviewed
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AP: Trump's Board of Peace faces Western pushback and Muslim-majority backing
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CNN: Trump says Board of Peace could replace UN in Gaza reconstruction
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AP: Trump's Board of Peace expands beyond Gaza with global invitations
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Newsweek: Nations weigh joining Trump's Board of Peace as France declines.
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Yonhap: South Korea invited to Trump's Gaza peace board; participation under review
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AP: Israel invited to join Trump's Board of Peace as invitations extend to Putin, Lukashenko and others
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CNN: Putin invited to join Trump's Gaza Board of Peace, Kremlin says
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Newsweek: Putin invited to join Gaza Peace Board, Kremlin confirms
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AP: Eight-plus countries invited to join Trump's Board of Peace on Gaza plan
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Newsweek: Trump invites world leaders to join Board of Peace for Gaza plan
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AP: Trump's Board of Peace expands beyond Gaza to broader global ambitions
External resources (3 links)
- https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/2026/01/statement-on-president-trumps-comprehensive-plan-to-end-the-gaza-conflict/ (cited 1 times)
- https://x.com/santipenap/status/2012528217521836420?s=46 (cited 2 times)
- https://x.com/jmilei/status/2012495664546992638?s=46 (cited 1 times)