Washington: US President Donald Trump, after returning to office for a second term, has launched the Board of Peace, an international organization aimed at stabilizing regions affected by conflict. Initially established to assist in rebuilding Gaza following heavy destruction during the Israel-Gaza conflict, the board’s mandate is being expanded to address global crises. Trump announced that countries seeking permanent membership must contribute $1 billion to the initiative.
Trump as Chairman: Trump will serve as Chairman of the Board of Peace, with full authority to establish, modify, or dissolve subsidiary organizations required to achieve the board’s objectives. Approximately 60 countries have been invited to join. Membership terms are typically three years, but the chairman can remove members at any time. Trump can directly issue decisions on behalf of the board, and the role of chairman can only be changed if he resigns voluntarily or is unable to perform his duties due to health or other reasons.
Membership and Voting Rules: Countries donating $1 billion in the board’s first year will receive permanent membership, bypassing the standard three-year term. Executive Board members, responsible for key decisions, serve two-year terms. Annual voting meetings allocate one vote per member country, with a majority needed for approval. In case of a tie, the chairman casts a deciding vote. Even approved decisions require the chairman’s consent for implementation, giving Trump final authority over board actions.
Key Members and Invited Countries: The board includes Trump as chairman, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, financier Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and National Security Council aide Robert Gabriel. Invited countries include Russia, India, Egypt, Canada, Pakistan, Germany, France, and Italy. The board will formally begin operations once at least three countries commit to its rules, signaling Trump’s central role in shaping global peace initiatives.