Board of Peace: Trump’s Global Diplomacy Initiative

Published: 22 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Former US President Donald Trump unveiled his “board of peace” initiative at the World Economic Forum, claiming the world is “richer, safer and much more peaceful than it was just one year ago.” The peace initiative, Trump said, aims to resolve ongoing conflicts and foster cooperation among global leaders. Speaking at the launch event, Trump insisted the world had benefited from his previous interventions, asserting that he personally helped stop eight wars, many of which were unknown to the general public.

Trump hosted a signing ceremony for the board of peace, joined by ministers and heads of government from 19 countries. Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani and Argentina’s President Javier Milei were among the attendees. The US president described the group as composed mostly of popular leaders, though he acknowledged some faced criticism in their respective nations. Trump emphasized that the board of peace would become “one of the most consequential bodies ever created in the history of the world.”

The board, which Trump will chair, was initially part of efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza. However, he has since suggested the organisation could adopt a wider geopolitical role, potentially rivaling the United Nations. When asked if the board might replace the UN, Trump said: “It might.” He announced a founding executive board including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Trump described the Gaza conflict as reduced to “little fires” and suggested that Hamas militants would have to relinquish their weapons. He claimed many fighters were “born with rifles in their hands,” framing the board of peace as crucial to stabilising long-standing regional disputes.

Despite the announcement, the UK has opted not to join the board of peace for now. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the decision was influenced by legal treaty concerns and broader geopolitical questions. Cooper also highlighted ongoing doubts regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s commitment to peace in Ukraine. Russia has not attended the World Economic Forum since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and Moscow has stated it is still consulting with “strategic partners” before deciding on the plan.

International reactions to Trump’s board of peace have been mixed. Supporters argue the initiative demonstrates proactive diplomacy, while critics question the board’s authority and effectiveness, noting that some members have controversial political histories. Analysts emphasised that without major powers such as the UK and Russia fully on board, the initiative could face challenges achieving its ambitious goals.

Trump insisted that his board of peace would operate transparently, prioritising direct negotiations and rapid conflict resolution. During the event, he suggested that future meetings could expand to include additional leaders from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, further increasing its global influence. The board aims to act as a forum for immediate diplomatic engagement and conflict mediation, bypassing traditional bureaucratic processes that Trump often criticised during his presidency.

Observers noted that while the announcement received substantial media coverage, tangible outcomes remain uncertain. Experts cautioned that establishing a new international peace body requires legal frameworks, consensus among multiple governments, and long-term commitment—factors that have historically complicated such initiatives. Nevertheless, Trump framed the board of peace as a historical milestone, stating that future generations would recognise its significance in reducing global conflicts.

Political analysts also highlighted the strategic implications of the initiative. By positioning himself as a mediator on the world stage, Trump could influence negotiations in regions like the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe. The presence of high-profile figures, including Tony Blair and Ajay Banga, was seen as an effort to lend credibility and international weight to the board of peace.

Despite praise from certain international quarters, scepticism remains high regarding Trump’s ability to maintain neutrality and secure commitments from controversial actors. Critics argue that without participation from key global powers such as Russia and China, and with the UK abstaining, the board of peace may struggle to enforce meaningful agreements. Yet, Trump’s supporters view the initiative as a bold attempt to reshape global diplomacy, asserting that his hands-on approach could achieve faster results than conventional multilateral organisations.

The board of peace’s official objectives include conflict de-escalation, humanitarian aid facilitation, and mediation of regional disputes. Trump suggested that the initiative’s success would ultimately be measured by the reduction of armed conflicts worldwide, describing the first year of operations as “critical” for establishing legitimacy and momentum. The event in Davos highlighted the growing trend of unconventional diplomatic approaches, with private-led initiatives increasingly seeking to complement or challenge traditional institutions like the United Nations.

In conclusion, Trump’s launch of the board of peace marks a high-profile attempt to redefine international diplomacy. While the initiative has attracted attention and participation from prominent leaders, its effectiveness will depend on broader engagement, adherence to legal frameworks, and sustained global cooperation. Critics remain cautious, yet the board of peace represents an ambitious vision for conflict resolution in the modern era, aiming to make the world richer, safer, and more peaceful.

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