US President Donald Trump has launched a controversial initiative called the “Board of Peace.” The plan invites world leaders to join the board for a $1 billion membership fee for permanent participation.
The board is designed to promote stability, governance, and peace in regions affected by conflict. Trump will chair the board personally. Invitations have been sent to leaders including Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, and Canada’s Mark Carney.
According to the draft charter, each member state may serve a three-year term. Countries contributing over $1 billion in the first year could extend their membership indefinitely. The charter establishes a main board, a Palestinian technocrats’ committee, and an executive advisory board to provide guidance on key issues.
The initiative was originally meant to oversee reconstruction efforts in Gaza. However, its scope appears broader and not limited to Palestine. The charter emphasizes that the board will adopt approaches beyond traditional institutions, noting that some global organizations have repeatedly failed to maintain peace.
Membership is strictly by invitation from the chairman. Trump will have the authority to remove members or appoint replacements if he steps down. Notable figures named to the board include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and senior negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.
Israel has expressed concerns over the Gaza-focused executive committee, which includes Turkish and Qatari representatives. Russia confirmed that President Putin received an invitation but has not revealed whether he will join. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Moscow is reviewing the proposal in detail.
The initiative comes at a time of rising global tensions. Russia has strengthened ties with Iran and Gulf states while its relations with Israel have become strained following conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Putin has previously praised Trump’s role in international conflict resolution, calling it a historic effort if successful.
