WASHINGTON D.C. – President Donald Trump convened the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace today, , at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., a building he noted was recently taken over by his Secretary of State, Marco Rubio. The meeting brought together representatives from over 40 countries, with a focus on overseeing the implementation of his ceasefire plan in Gaza and securing pledges for reconstruction.
According to statements released during the meeting, member states have collectively pledged $7 billion towards rebuilding Gaza, with the United States committing an additional $10 billion to the Board of Peace. This financial commitment signals a significant investment in the region, though the long-term impact remains to be seen.
The Board of Peace, formally established last month, is chaired by President Trump. The organization’s stated purpose is to promote peacekeeping efforts globally, with an initial focus on the Gaza Strip. The meeting included dignitaries from Argentina, Hungary, India, Pakistan, and Vietnam, among others. Notably, France and the United Kingdom, while expressing concerns about the board’s composition – specifically the potential inclusion of Russia – sent observers to the proceedings.
Israel and several Arab states are represented on the board, but a Palestinian representative is not currently included. This omission has already drawn criticism from some quarters, raising questions about the inclusivity and potential effectiveness of the initiative.
“This represents the most prestigious board ever put together,” President Trump told assembled dignitaries. “You know, I’ve seen some great corporate boards. I’ve seen some great boards, period. It’s peanuts compared to this board.”
The establishment of the Board of Peace comes amidst ongoing concerns about the potential for the organization to undermine the role of the United Nations. Some analysts fear that the board could duplicate or even supplant existing UN peacekeeping efforts, creating a parallel system with potentially conflicting mandates. President Trump, however, has expressed both support for the UN and the potential for the Board of Peace to eventually take on a larger role in global security.
The Board of Peace was initially proposed in September 2025 and formally established on the sidelines of the 56th World Economic Forum in January 2026. United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 welcomed the board’s involvement in reconstruction efforts in Gaza, specifically through the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), and authorized it to deploy a temporary peacekeeping force.
Membership in the Board of Peace requires participating countries to contribute $1 billion to the organization to renew their status after the first three years. As of , 25 of the 62 invited countries have signed the board’s charter.
Concerns have been raised regarding the board’s governance model, with some observers pointing to the concentration of decision-making authority in the chair. This structure, critics argue, could lead to a lack of transparency and accountability. European nations have voiced particular apprehension about the possibility of the board encroaching on the UN’s established role in international peacekeeping.
The meeting took place against a backdrop of continued fragility in the Gaza ceasefire. While the pledges of financial support are welcome, the long-term success of the reconstruction efforts will depend on sustained commitment from all parties involved, as well as a resolution to the underlying political issues driving the conflict. The Board of Peace’s ability to navigate these challenges and foster genuine cooperation remains to be seen.
Gazans themselves expressed hope that the pledges would translate into tangible improvements in their lives. Video reports from the region show residents cautiously optimistic about the prospect of reconstruction, but also wary of political maneuvering and unfulfilled promises.
The U.S. Institute of Peace, now bearing President Trump’s name, served as the venue for the meeting, a symbolic gesture highlighting the administration’s commitment to the initiative. The choice of location, however, is likely to further fuel debate about the board’s relationship with existing international institutions and its potential impact on the global peacekeeping landscape.
