Trump Unveils Board of Peace at Davos World Economic Forum
President unveils ambitious global conflict resolution body amid retreats.
US President Donald Trump is set to launch his innovative “Board of Peace” at the World Economic Forum in Davos, positioning himself as a global peacemaker following his recent withdrawal from aggressive stances on Greenland. This move comes as Trump aims to showcase his diplomatic prowess on the international stage, with a charter signing ceremony highlighting the board’s formation. The initiative, initially focused on Gaza’s reconstruction post the Hamas-Israel conflict, now extends to broader international disputes, raising eyebrows about its potential to challenge established bodies like the United Nations.
The Board of Peace carries a hefty $1 billion entry fee for permanent members, drawing interest from a diverse array of leaders. Trump has extended invitations to figures such as Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu, and Hungary’s Viktor Orban, with about 35 out of 50 invited nations committing so far. During a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Trump hailed it as “the greatest board ever formed.” Key Middle Eastern players like Saudi Arabia and Qatar have joined, while Trump confirmed Putin’s acceptance despite Kremlin hesitations. This eclectic membership has sparked concerns, particularly from US allies wary of Russia’s inclusion amid ongoing global tensions.
Skepticism from major allies like France and Britain persists, viewing the board as an extension of Trump’s frustration over missing out on the Nobel Peace Prize, despite his claims of resolving eight conflicts. The board’s expansive charter has fueled debates on its true intentions, with some seeing it as a bold alternative to traditional diplomacy. Trump’s administration reports strong interest from regions seeking fresh approaches to longstanding issues, emphasizing the board’s potential to foster rapid resolutions through high-stakes engagements.
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On the sidelines, Trump plans bilateral talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, as ceasefire negotiations in the Ukraine-Russia conflict drag on. Trump reiterated his confidence in brokering a deal swiftly, criticizing both sides for delays and stressing that failure would be “stupid.” His special envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner are en route to Moscow for discussions with Putin, underscoring Trump’s personal involvement. Zelensky has expressed worries that distractions like the Greenland saga could undermine focus on Ukraine’s defense against invasion.
The Davos agenda follows Trump’s abrupt reversal on imposing tariffs against Europe and military threats over Greenland, which he deems crucial for NATO security against Russia and China. After fruitful talks with NATO chief Mark Rutte, Trump announced a “framework of a future deal,” averting February tariffs. This de-escalation has partially eased tensions at the forum, allowing Trump to pivot toward his peace initiatives while navigating complex geopolitical landscapes.
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