Trump launches ‘Board of Peace’ at Davos, calls it a reset for global diplomacy

US President Donald Trump on Thursday, January 22, formally launched his ambitious ‘Board of Peace’ initiative at the World Economic Forum 2026, positioning it as a sweeping new mechanism for global conflict resolution and hinting it could one day rival the United Nations in influence and reach.

Calling the moment “a very exciting day, long in the making”, Trump signed the charter at World Economic Forum in Davos, flanked by leaders from founding member countries. He claimed the initiative would help bring an end to some of the world’s most entrenched conflicts, declaring, “We’re going to have peace in the world,” as he struck an upbeat and often personal tone during the ceremony.

‘World was on fire’, but calm is returning: Trump

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In his opening remarks, Trump painted a dramatic picture of the global situation he inherited. “Just one year ago the world was actually on fire, a lot of people didn’t know it,” he said, before asserting that tensions across several regions were now easing. According to Trump, threats worldwide were “really calming down” and “many good things are happening”.

He went on to claim that his administration was “settling eight wars” and that significant progress had been made towards ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, though he did not offer specific details or timelines.

From Gaza plan to global ambition

The ‘Board of Peace’ traces its origins to Trump’s earlier 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan, which had received endorsement from the UN Security Council. What began as a focused diplomatic framework has since expanded into a far broader initiative, with Trump now presenting it as a permanent global forum for resolving conflicts and enforcing peace.

Administration officials said around 35 countries had already committed to join the board, while invitations had been sent to nearly 60 nations. Trump suggested that some governments were still seeking parliamentary approval, while others not initially invited were lobbying for inclusion.

“We have a lot of great people that want to join,” he said, underscoring the scale of interest his team claims the initiative has generated.

Trump as permanent chairman, costly membership terms

Details of the charter reveal an unusually centralised structure. According to the document cited by media reports, countries seeking permanent membership would need to make a USD 1 billion contribution, while non-paying members would be granted a three-year mandate.

The charter also designates Trump as permanent chairman of the board, even after leaving office, a provision that has raised eyebrows among diplomats and analysts. Trump himself has previously described the body as potentially “the most prestigious board ever formed”.

Russia, Putin and controversy over inclusions

Defending the inclusion of Russia and its president Vladimir Putin, Trump said he wanted “everybody” who was powerful and capable of “getting the job done” to be part of the process. He argued that excluding influential leaders would undermine any serious attempt at global peace.

However, the expanded mandate and controversial inclusions have sparked unease among several Western allies. A number of European countries declined to participate, citing concerns that the board could weaken the existing international order anchored by the United Nations and its charter.

UK stays out, cites concerns over mandate

The United Kingdom confirmed it would not sign the treaty during Trump’s Davos ceremony. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the decision was driven by concerns over the board’s scope and the invitation extended to Putin.

Other European officials, speaking privately, have also questioned whether the initiative risks duplicating or undermining established multilateral institutions rather than strengthening them.
Middle East focus and Egypt’s role

Trump linked the board directly to his approach on Iran and the Middle East, claiming it played a crucial role in securing the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. “If we didn’t do that, there was no chance of making peace,” he said.

Egypt has confirmed its participation, with Trump highlighting discussions with President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi as an example of the regional backing the initiative has received.

The launch came as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Davos for high-level meetings. Trump, meanwhile, expressed visible frustration over the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying he believed both sides were now capable of striking a deal. “I believe they’re at a point now where they can come together and get a deal done,” he said, adding bluntly that failure to do so would reflect poorly on both Moscow and Kyiv.