Trump Launches Board of Peace at Davos
Former President Donald Trump returned to Davos on Thursday to officially launch his Gaza Board of Peace, alongside the board’s newly announced members, most of whom come from the Middle East and South America. Trump described the board as “one of the most consequential bodies ever created” and said he was honored to serve as its chairman. Notably absent from the stage were leaders from Western Europe. The U.K. had expressed concerns over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s potential involvement, and while Putin received an invitation, he is reportedly still considering participation. Earlier this week, Trump drew attention by suggesting the board “might” replace the United Nations, though he later clarified that it would work alongside the UN. He said: “We’ll work with many others, including the U.N.” The UN had adopted the U.S.-sponsored resolution establishing the board in November. On Gaza, Trump said the Israel-Hamas war is “really coming to an end” but warned Hamas to disarm, describing its members as “people born with rifles in their hands.” He added: “They have to give up their weapons, and if they don’t do that, it’s going to be the end of them,” and called for the release of the final deceased Israeli hostage, Ran Gvili. Trump also highlighted Gaza’s strategic location, saying: “People that are living so poorly are going to be so well, but it all began with the location.” The Board of Peace follows last week’s launch of Phase Two of the Gaza ceasefire plan by Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, focusing on “demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction.” Phase One faced challenges due to Hamas not handing over the final deceased hostage and Israeli airstrikes in October. The board will oversee the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), led by Ali Shaath, a former deputy minister in the Palestinian Authority, which will manage day-to-day reconstruction efforts. During his speech, Trump also highlighted his international achievements, praising the “unrivalled skill set of the U.S. Military,” referencing last year’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, and lauding his recent Venezuela operation that resulted in the capture of former President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Regarding the board members, Trump called them “great people, great leaders,” saying the organization is already “running beautifully.” Board of Peace Members: Argentina: President Javier Milei Armenia: Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan Azerbaijan: President Ilham Aliyev Bahrain: Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa Bulgaria: Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov (caretaker) Hungary: Prime Minister Viktor Orban Indonesia: President Prabowo Subianto Jordan: Deputy Prime Minister Ayman Safadi Kazakhstan: President Kassym‑Jomart Tokayev Kosovo: President Vjosa Osmani Mongolia: Prime Minister Gombojavyn Zandanshatar Morocco: Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita Pakistan: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Paraguay: President Santiago Pena Qatar: Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani Saudi Arabia: Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al‑Saud Turkey: Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan United Arab Emirates: Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority Khaldoon Al Mubarak Uzbekistan: President Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev The board is tasked with overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction while coordinating with international partners to ensure the territory’s stability and development.