PM Narendra Modi was among several world leaders invited by Trump to join the board, which was announced during the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. France, the United Kingdom, China, Germany, and several other major nations also stayed away from the ceremony
US President Donald Trump holds a signed founding charter at the "Board of Peace" meeting in Davos on Thursday. PIC/AFP
President Donald Trump on Thursday signed the charter to formally launch his “Board of Peace” initiative at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, describing it as a significant step towards global conflict resolution, news agency PTI reported.
Calling it a “very exciting day, long in the making”, Trump said, “We’re going to have peace in the world,” adding, “And we’re all stars.”
In his opening remarks, Trump said, “Just one year ago the world was actually on fire, a lot of people didn’t know it,” but claimed that “many good things are happening” and that threats across the world “are really calming down.”
Flanked by leaders from the initiative’s founding member countries, Trump stated his administration was “settling eight wars” and claimed that “a lot of progress” had been made towards ending Russia’s war in Ukraine, PTI reported.
Thanking leaders present at the ceremony, Trump said, “We are truly honoured by your presence today,” adding that they were “in most cases very popular leaders, some cases not so popular.” He also remarked, “In this group I like every single one of them.”
He has earlier described the newly formed body as potentially the “most prestigious board ever formed.”
The initiative originated from Trump’s 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan, which was endorsed by the United Nations Security Council, but has since expanded beyond its original scope. Administration officials said around 35 countries have committed to join the body, while 60 nations have received invitations. Trump also suggested the Board of Peace could assume responsibilities currently held by the United Nations.
“We have a lot of great people that want to join,” Trump said during a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, whose country has confirmed its membership. He added that some leaders required parliamentary approval before committing, while other countries not invited were seeking inclusion.
Defending the inclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin and other leaders, Trump said he wanted “everybody” who was powerful and could “get the job done.”
Several European allies declined to participate, amid concerns over the board’s expanded mandate and its potential impact on the existing international system under the UN Charter. The United Kingdom also said it would not sign the treaty during Trump’s ceremony, with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper citing concerns over Putin’s invitation.
According to a copy of the charter cited by media reports, countries seeking permanent membership would need to contribute USD 1 billion, while non-paying members would have a three-year mandate. The charter designates Trump as permanent chairman, even after leaving office.
Trump linked the initiative to his Iran policy and claimed it helped secure the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. “If we didn’t do that, there was no chance of making peace,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Davos on Thursday as Trump expressed frustration over the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“I believe they’re at a point now where they can come together and get a deal done,” Trump said. “And if they don’t, they’re stupid — that goes for both of them.”
(With PTI inputs)
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