U.S. President Donald Trump signed the charter to formally launch his "Board of Peace" initiative in Davos on Thursday, calling the event "a very exciting day, long in the making."
The initiative originated from Trump’s 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan, which previously received endorsement from the UN Security Council. However, the project has since expanded its scope significantly beyond that mandate.
"We're going to have peace in the world," Trump told attendees during the signing ceremony. "And we're all stars."
Trump was joined by several world leaders, including Argentinian President Javier Milei and Hungarian Premier Viktor Orbán. During his opening remarks, the president claimed his administration had already "settled eight wars" and expressed optimism regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
A new model for diplomacy
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised the board as a body focused on "action" rather than diplomatic bureaucracy. Rubio added that the group’s primary objective remains ensuring that the Gaza peace deal becomes permanent.
"He’s not limited by some of the things that have happened in the past, and he’s willing to talk to or engage with anyone in the interest of peace," Rubio said of the president’s approach.
The initiative has faced resistance from several European nations. France, Sweden, and Norway have declined invitations to participate, with French officials expressing concern that the board could undermine the United Nations as the primary venue for international mediation. The United Kingdom also opted out, citing objections to the inclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the invitation list.
Trump defended the inclusion of controversial figures, including Putin and Belarusian leader Aliaksandr Lukashenka. He stated he wanted "everybody" who possessed the power to "get the job done" involved in the process.
According to a copy of the charter obtained by media outlets, permanent membership carries a $1 billion contribution fee. The document also designates Trump as the permanent chairman of the board, a role he would retain even after leaving office.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, Trump expressed frustration with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Putin. He suggested the two leaders were at a crossroads.
"I believe they're at a point now where they can come together and get a deal done," Trump said. "And if they don't, they're stupid — that goes for both of them."
