Trump's new 'Board of Peace' takes shape at Davos

On Thursday, with representatives from 19 countries attending its signing ceremony, United States President Donald Trump unveiled the "Board of Peace" in Davos, Switzerland.

Trump first proposed the entity in September 2025, as a solution to the Gaza conflict that could be extended to cover similar situations. He announced its establishment on Jan 15, one day after US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, claimed the second phase of the Gaza peace deal had been launched.

But, noting US presidential memorandum on Jan 7 saw the nation exit 66 international organizations, many observers wonder whether the "Board of Peace" is aimed at replacing the existing United Nations system.

Reuters wrote a headline declaring 'Trump launches Board of Peace that some fear rivals UN' and the New York Times called it "the latest step in his effort to dismantle the postwar international system and build a new one".

US sent invitations to about 60 countries, regions, and international organizations to help found the organization. The members would need to put up $1 billion if they want their membership to last more than three years, according to a document seen by Reuters. So far, the White House claimed approximately 35 nations had committed to join.

On Monday, during a huddle with the media, when informed by a reporter that France's President Emmanuel Macron had said he would not join the board, Trump said: "I'll put a 200 percent tariff on his wines and Champagnes, and he'll join, but he doesn't have to join."

Some 19 participants attended the signing ceremony for the new organization on Thursday, of whom Trump, who praised himself for "settling eight wars", said: "In this group, I like every single one of them."

Under the headline 'Who can say no?', Reuters reported the signing ceremony caught officials from some of the countries invited to take part off-guard, with several saying they felt compelled to sign up, rather than risk the US president's wrath.

What also aroused public attention was the possibility of Trump, designated as the founding chair of the organization, holding the role indefinitely, because the reported draft charter for the group does not mention the duration of his term.

"The chairmanship can be held by President Trump until he resigns it," ABC News quoted a US official as saying. "A future US president, however, may choose to appoint or designate the United States' representative to the board."