Donald Trump has formally unveiled the "Board of Peace" at a signing ceremony in Davos, Switzerland. The initiative, initially proposed in September 2025 as part of Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza, is now seemingly aimed at addressing conflicts beyond Gaza.
India's Absence and Pakistan's Participation
While invitations were extended to both India and Pakistan to join the "Board of Peace," India has not yet formally announced its participation. Sources in New Delhi indicate that the Indian government is carefully considering the invitation, taking into account the board's "legitimacy" and mandate.
In contrast, Pakistan has officially accepted the invitation, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joining President Trump on stage at the unveiling. Pakistan's foreign ministry released a statement confirming their decision to join the Board, citing their "ongoing efforts to support the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan under the framework of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803". The ministry expressed hope that the framework would lead to a permanent ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid for Palestinians, and the reconstruction of Gaza. Pakistan also stated its desire for the realization of Palestinian self-determination through a credible political process, ultimately leading to an independent State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The Board of Peace: Scope and Concerns
The "Board of Peace" aims to "promote stability, restore dependable and lawful governance, and secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict". While the initial focus was on Gaza's rebuilding, the charter draft does not specifically mention Gaza, leading to concerns that the board's scope may extend beyond the region. Some observers suggest that Trump envisions the "Board of Peace" as a potential rival to the United Nations.
The structure of the Board concentrates significant authority in the hands of the Chairman, Donald Trump, who serves as the "inaugural Chairman" without specified term limits and holds "final authority regarding the meaning, interpretation and application of this Charter," including veto power over all decisions. This has raised concerns about the concentration of power and the potential for the board to be influenced by Trump's personal agenda.
India's Dilemma
India's hesitation to join the "Board of Peace" stems from several factors. First, the open-ended mandate of the board raises concerns that it could be used to address conflicts beyond Gaza, potentially including issues related to Kashmir. Accepting a role on the board, with Trump holding ultimate authority, could be seen as inviting external mediation on Kashmir, a position India has long resisted. Second, the structure of the board, with its concentration of power in the hands of a single individual, may conflict with India's foreign policy principles of strategic autonomy and non-alignment.
Other Participants and Objectives
Alongside Pakistan, several other countries have announced their decision to join the "Board of Peace," including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Qatar, and the UAE. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has also accepted the invitation. The United States has stated that over 20 countries have agreed to join the initiative.
The White House has stated that the "Board of Peace" will "play an essential role in fulfilling" President Trump's plan to permanently end the war on Gaza and rebuild the enclave by "providing strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development".
Developments in Gaza
The unveiling of the "Board of Peace" comes amidst ongoing tensions in Gaza. The civil defense agency in Gaza reported that three journalists were killed in an Israeli air strike in the Al-Zahra area, southwest of Gaza City, a day before the signing ceremony.
