US President Donald Trump has sparked global concern by suggesting that his newly formed “Board of Peace” might one day replace the United Nations, raising fears that the body, intended to oversee Gaza reconstruction, could sideline the nearly eight-decade-old international organization.
Diplomats had already expressed doubts over the board’s structure, membership, and the controversial provision allowing countries to secure permanent seats for $1 billion. These concerns come as Trump heads to the World Economic Forum in Davos, amid tensions with NATO allies and his repeated insistence that the US should own Greenland.
The White House announced the board’s founding Executive Board, which includes Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. According to a draft charter obtained by CNN, Trump will serve as chairman indefinitely, removable only by voluntary resignation or unanimous board vote. A future US president may appoint an additional US representative.
Trump has invited dozens of nations to join, with a signing ceremony planned in Davos. While some countries, including the UAE and Bahrain, have confirmed participation, others have not, and France has already declined. Russia’s inclusion has drawn alarm due to its active involvement in war, with China and Belarus also invited.
“Putin would use Russia’s membership to undermine the UN and sow divisions in US alliances,” said Robert Wood, former deputy US ambassador to the UN. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper echoed concerns, saying, “Putin is not a man of peace, and he shouldn’t be part of any organization with peace in its name.”
The board’s draft charter suggests a much wider scope than Gaza, describing it as “an international organization that seeks to promote stability, restore dependable governance, and secure lasting peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict.” Critics argue that it appears designed to function far beyond Gaza, raising fears of a parallel system to the UN.
Trump criticized the UN directly, claiming, “The UN just hasn’t been very helpful. I’m a big fan of its potential, but it has never lived up to it. The UN should have settled every war that I resolved.”
France cited similar concerns, noting that the charter’s broad mandate could conflict with UN principles. Ireland also warned that the board’s reach goes beyond implementing a Gaza peace plan, emphasizing the UN’s unique legitimacy in maintaining global peace and security.
UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher stated that the Board of Peace is not meant to replace the UN. Former US Middle East negotiator Aaron David Miller questioned the board’s feasibility, calling it detached from reality and stressing that the UN’s scale, durability, and global integration cannot realistically be rivaled.
Under the board’s rules, members serve three-year terms, while permanent seats require a $1 billion pledge, which US officials say would fund Gaza reconstruction. However, plans remain in early stages, and experts caution that financial capacity alone does not ensure a country is fit to oversee international peace.
Robert Wood added, “The future of the Board of Peace as a conflict-resolution body will depend on what it can actually achieve in Gaza.”