WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump will convene the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace in Washington, D.C. Today, , with member states having pledged over $5 billion in aid for reconstruction and humanitarian relief in Gaza. The White House announced the commitments, alongside pledges of personnel for an international stabilization force within the territory.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt informed reporters on , that over 20 countries are expected to participate in the meeting. The Board of Peace, established under President Trump’s comprehensive plan for Gaza, aims to oversee the region’s recovery and transition towards self-governance.
The Vatican’s decision not to participate in the initiative was described as “deeply unfortunate” by Ms. Leavitt. The move reflects a preference, articulated by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s top diplomatic official, for the United Nations to manage crisis situations. Pope Leo, the first American pope and a known critic of some of President Trump’s policies, had received an invitation to join the board in January.
President Trump formally ratified the Charter of the Board of Peace on , during a ceremony in Davos, Switzerland. This action followed the endorsement of his Gaza plan by United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 (2025). The plan initially focused on Gaza’s temporary governance following a fragile ceasefire reached in October, but President Trump has since indicated the Board’s scope could expand to address broader global conflicts.
This potential expansion has raised concerns among some international observers, who fear the Board of Peace could compete with, or even supplant, the role of the United Nations in conflict resolution. However, Ms. Leavitt emphasized that the Board is a “legitimate organisation” comprised of “tens of member countries from around the world,” dedicated to rebuilding and reconstructing Gaza.
While regional powers including Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have joined the Board, participation from traditional Western allies has been more measured. This hesitancy underscores the geopolitical complexities surrounding the initiative and the varying levels of trust in the new organization.
The Board of Peace’s creation stems from President Trump’s 20-point plan for lasting peace, stability, reconstruction, and prosperity in Gaza. A key component of the plan involves the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), led by Dr. Ali Sha’ath, a technocratic leader tasked with restoring core public services and rebuilding civil institutions. The NCAG represents a crucial step in implementing the second phase of President Trump’s plan.
The meeting today will be chaired by President Trump, before he departs for a visit to Georgia. The focus of the initial session will be exclusively on Gaza, according to the White House. The allocation of the $5 billion in pledged funds remains under discussion, with President Trump stating that a decision on how to utilize the resources will be made during the Board of Peace deliberations.
The establishment of the Board of Peace and the associated financial commitments represent a significant, albeit controversial, development in the ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and political instability in Gaza. The success of the initiative will depend on sustained international cooperation, effective governance within Gaza, and a commitment to long-term stability in the region. The Board’s ability to navigate the complex political landscape and address the underlying causes of conflict will be critical to achieving its stated goals.
The plan also envisions a panel of experts convened to develop an economic development strategy for Gaza, drawing on models from successful modern cities in the Middle East. This focus on economic revitalization is intended to create opportunities and improve the living conditions for Gazans, fostering a more stable and prosperous future. The Board of Peace will play a central role in mobilizing international resources and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking after the ratification of the Board of Peace charter, highlighted President Trump’s vision as instrumental in achieving what many previously considered an impossible resolution to the situation in Gaza. He emphasized the President’s “courage to dream the impossible” and pursue a solution despite widespread skepticism.
