New Global Initiative: Trump’s Board of Peace
At least eight countries have reported receiving invitations from the United States to participate in President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, which aims to direct future actions concerning Gaza and expand its influence in global matters. Among these, Hungary and Vietnam have confirmed their acceptance.
Membership and Contributions
A contribution of $1 billion guarantees a permanent seat on Trump’s board, as opposed to a temporary three-year position which has no funding requirement. This information was shared by a U.S. official under the condition of anonymity, indicating that the raised funds will be allocated towards rebuilding Gaza.
National Responses
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a staunch supporter of Trump in Europe, has accepted his invitation, as confirmed by Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó during a state radio broadcast. Additionally, Vietnam’s Communist Party chief, To Lam, has also accepted the invitation, according to a statement from the foreign ministry.
India has also received an invitation, as revealed by a senior government official, while Australia is currently deliberating the implications of its invite with U.S. officials, according to comments made by Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles.
Further Invitations and Upcoming Announcements
On Sunday, Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, and Pakistan disclosed they had received invitations, joining other countries like Canada, Turkey, Egypt, and Argentina which have also been invited. However, the total number of invitations remains unclear, and the U.S. is expected to announce the official member list at the forthcoming World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Gaza Oversight and Future Plans
The board members will be tasked with guiding the next stages in Gaza following the recent ceasefire that began on October 10. This includes forming a new Palestinian committee, deploying an international security force, disarming Hamas, and reconstructing the area affected by the war.
Potential Rival to U.N. Security Council
In his invitation letters, Trump mentioned that the Board of Peace aims to introduce an innovative approach to resolving global conflicts, which may pose a challenge to the existing U.N. Security Council, historically the most powerful body established post-World War II. The council’s inability to act decisively on the Gaza crisis due to U.S. vetoes has raised questions about the U.N.’s effectiveness, particularly as it faces cuts in funding.
