Trump’s Peace Council: First Meeting Set – Gaza Reconstruction & ‘Own UN’ Fears

Washington D.C. – Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly formed “Board of Peace” is scheduled to hold its inaugural meeting in Washington on February 19, with a primary focus on securing funding for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. The announcement comes after the initiative was first unveiled at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, last month.

The meeting, to be held at the U.S. Institute of Peace – which has been rebranded with Trump’s name – aims to galvanize financial support for Gaza’s rebuilding efforts following the recent conflict. While initially conceived as a body focused solely on Gaza reconstruction, the board’s mandate appears to have broadened, according to a draft charter, to encompass conflict resolution on a global scale. This expansion, however, does not appear to be reflected in the immediate agenda for the February 19th meeting.

Around two dozen countries have reportedly signed on to participate in the Board of Peace, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Pakistan, Turkey, Hungary, Morocco, Kosovo, Albania, Bulgaria, Argentina, Paraguay, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Uzbekistan, Indonesia, and Vietnam. However, several key U.S. Allies have so far declined to join, expressing concerns that the board could potentially undermine the authority of the United Nations.

A key incentive for membership appears to be the prospect of permanent status for member states that contribute $1 billion in cash within the first year. Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated a willingness to contribute such an amount, but has stipulated that it would be contingent upon the release of Russian assets frozen in the United States during the Biden administration.

The Board of Peace will be chaired by Trump himself. An “Executive Board” will support him, comprised of figures including his son-in-law Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank Group President Ajay Banga, national security adviser Robert Gabriel, and Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management.

The formation of the Board of Peace has been met with skepticism from some quarters, particularly regarding its potential impact on existing international institutions. Concerns have been raised that the initiative could duplicate efforts already underway through the United Nations and other established organizations. Israel has accepted Trump’s invitation to join the board but has not yet formally signed the charter.

The U.N. Security Council has authorized the Board to oversee the implementation of any Gaza ceasefire and to contribute to governance and reconstruction efforts in the territory. The timing of the meeting is particularly sensitive, as the ceasefire in Gaza is currently described as increasingly fragile.

The U.S. Administration, according to officials, views the meeting as an opportunity to raise substantial funds for Gaza’s reconstruction. However, details regarding specific fundraising targets and mechanisms remain under development. The initiative represents a significant departure from traditional U.S. Foreign policy approaches to conflict resolution, relying instead on a network of bilateral relationships and private sector involvement.

European nations, in particular, have expressed reservations about the Board of Peace, with some fearing it represents an attempt by the Trump administration to create a parallel diplomatic structure to the United Nations. This concern stems from a perceived lack of transparency surrounding the board’s operations and its long-term objectives. The expansion of the board’s mandate beyond Gaza reconstruction has further fueled these anxieties.

The initial plan for the Board of Peace, first outlined in a 20-point plan announced last September, focused specifically on ending the two-year war between Israel and Hamas. The broadening of its scope suggests a more ambitious, and potentially more controversial, agenda. The February 19th meeting will be closely watched by international observers to gauge the board’s effectiveness and its potential impact on the global geopolitical landscape.

The choice of the U.S. Institute of Peace as the venue for the inaugural meeting is symbolic, reflecting Trump’s desire to leave a lasting mark on the institution. The renaming of the institute has already drawn criticism from some who view it as a politicization of a traditionally non-partisan organization dedicated to conflict resolution.

While the immediate focus remains on securing funding for Gaza, the long-term implications of the Board of Peace remain uncertain. Its success will depend on its ability to navigate complex geopolitical challenges, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and deliver tangible results in a region plagued by conflict and instability.