Trump appoints self chairman, as he unveils Board of Peace, to ‘tackle global conflicts’

Trump

US President Donald Trump has signed the charter for the newly established ‘Board of Peace’, a body for resolving international conflicts.

Speaking on Thursday during the signing at the ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump said the board could become “one of the most consequential bodies ever created”.

The US president noted that he would personally serve as the chairman of the board.

“As part of this historic record of major peace initiatives, today we’re announcing more details regarding the Board of Peace. It’s so important,” Trump said. “It’s my enormous honour to serve as its chairman. I take it very seriously. We have a great group of people, incredible young people that are leading it from within. It’s running beautifully.”

The board was originally established to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza after the conflict that left the region in ruins, but it has since expanded its mandate to address wider global conflicts.

The board is expected to operate above a ‘founding executive board’, which includes Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, Marco Rubio, US secretary of state, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and former British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Around 50 countries were invited to join the initiative, with nations such as Russia, Israel, Armenia, and Azerbaijan signing the charter.

However, France and Norway have declined participation, citing concerns over how the board would operate alongside the United Nations.

The Board of Peace has faced criticism over its potential overlap with the UN and the risks this could pose to international diplomacy.

Members are expected to serve three-year terms, after which they must contribute $1 billion — a stipulation that has raised questions about transparency and the potential for corruption. Thecable