US President Donald Trump on Wednesday unveiled a proposed “Board of Peace” at the World Economic Forum in Davos, describing it as a new mechanism to address global conflicts. The body would reportedly require a $1 billion fee for permanent membership. Trump claimed that “everybody” was eager to join and said he would continue working with multiple partners, including the United Nations.
A number of the United States' close allies, including France and Britain, have expressed skepticism, with London declaring on Thursday that it would not attend the event. Conversely, some nations, particularly from the Middle East, have confirmed their attendance, with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Egypt, countries considered to have favourable relations with Trump—agreeing to participate.
Trump stated that 59 nations are participating in efforts to establish peace in the Middle East, suggesting they have expressed support for his proposed Peace Board. "If Hamas doesn't do what they promised they will do - I think they probably will - but they were born with rifles in their hands," he said. "They have to give up their weapons, and if they don't do that it is going to be the end of them," he further added.
A senior official from the Trump administration stated on Wednesday that approximately 35 world leaders have confirmed their attendance, out of about 50 invitations that were distributed.
Countries that have agreed: Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Egypt, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Morocco, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.
The board's announcement occurs as Trump expresses clear frustration over not winning the Nobel Peace Prize, even though he controversially claims to have resolved eight conflicts.