In a high‑profile ceremony at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday formally signed the founding charter of the Board of Peace, a newly unveiled international peace initiative, with world leaders joining the effort.
Trump, flanked by top officials and representatives from nations including Bahrain and Morocco, stood at the signing table as the first documents were inked and presented to cameras. Other leaders took turns adding their signatures, a symbolic start to an organisation that Trump says is meant to promote stability and resolve conflicts—starting with the long‑running crisis in Gaza and potentially extending to other global hotspots.
“Today marks a very important moment,” Trump said at the event, declaring the board a step toward a more peaceful world. He said the United States and its partners will work with existing institutions, such as the United Nations, while emphasising the board’s unique role in addressing conflicts that traditional multilateral bodies have struggled to resolve.
The initiative, announced by Trump in late 2025, was originally conceived as part of a framework to support a ceasefire and reconstruction in Gaza after the protracted conflict there. However, the draft charter appears to give it a broader remit, allowing members to address a wider range of international disputes and peacebuilding efforts.
More than a dozen countries have joined so far, spanning the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. In addition to Bahrain and Morocco, participants are reported to include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Indonesia, Argentina, Hungary and others who have accepted invitations to participate in the board’s work.
Despite appearances at Davos, the initiative has drawn mixed reactions. Some diplomats and analysts express concern that the board could compete with or undermine established international institutions such as the United Nations, particularly if it expands into areas long held by those bodies. Several Western European nations, including France, Norway and Sweden, have declined to join, citing worries over the board’s structure and global role.
Read Also: Trump Criticism Boosts Support For Carney After Davos Speech
President Trump is expected to serve as the board’s chairman, and discussions are underway about future meetings and membership terms. Leaders at the signing expressed hope that early cooperation would lead to tangible progress in areas of conflict, with a focus on humanitarian efforts and long‑term stability.
The ceremony, one of the most watched events at this year’s forum, underscored both the ambition and controversy surrounding the Board of Peace as it takes its first formal steps on the world stage.