The initiative, initially framed as a mechanism to end Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, is now being shaped as a potential alternative forum for resolving international crises, a move that could challenge the post-World War II international order dominated by the United Nations (UN), the Associated Press (AP) reported.
In letters sent on Friday to world leaders inviting them to become “founding members,” Trump said the board would “embark on a bold new approach to resolving global conflict.”
Invitation letters sent to Argentine President Javier Milei and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña—later posted on their official social media accounts—referenced Trump’s 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan, which includes the creation of the Board of Peace, while indicating the body’s scope would extend beyond Gaza.
“Now it is time to turn all of these dreams into reality,” Trump wrote. “At the heart of the plan is the Board of Peace, the most impressive and consequential board ever assembled, which will be established as a new International Organization and Transitional Governing Administration.”
Governments confirming receipt of invitation letters include those of Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. It remains unclear how many other leaders received similar invitations.
Trump’s apparent ambition to transform the board into an international institution rivaling the UN is likely to face strong opposition, particularly from countries such as China and Russia, which hold veto power in the UN Security Council and have historically resisted efforts to alter the global governance system.
Smaller states are also expected to raise concerns, as the UN framework has provided them with a platform—however limited—to participate in major international decision-making since the end of World War II.
“This is a US shortcut in an attempt to wield its veto power on world affairs,” Daniel Forti, head of UN affairs at the International Crisis Group, told AP. “It allows the US to take the role it has on the Gaza-Israel file, where it’s able to shape things to its will, and try to extend that to other conflicts.”
Forti added that the proposal “would give world leaders involved a mechanism to sidestep longstanding agreements around sovereignty and territorial integrity in exchange for transactional deals.”
A senior US official told AP that expanding the board’s role remains “aspirational,” but said Trump and his advisers believe it is feasible, citing longstanding US frustration with the United Nations and its affiliated agencies. The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the board was not intended to replace the UN but could be used to pressure it into action.
The Trump administration has frequently clashed with the UN, cutting billions of dollars in funding to international organizations and humanitarian assistance. Trump and his allies have accused the body of inefficiency, institutional bloat, and promoting what they describe as “woke” ideology.
The letters follow Trump’s social media post on Thursday claiming the Board of Peace had already been formed, with member names to be announced “shortly.” US officials said a formal announcement is expected this week during the World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
Pay-to-join membership
Under the proposal, countries seeking permanent membership would be required to contribute at least $1 billion, Bloomberg reported, citing a draft charter.
The draft document states that Trump would serve as the board’s inaugural chairman, with authority to invite member states, approve the organization’s seal, and retain veto power over all resolutions.
While decisions would formally be adopted by majority vote—with one vote per member state—all resolutions would remain subject to the chairman’s approval, according to the draft.
The charter describes the board as “an international organization that seeks to promote stability, restore dependable and lawful governance, and secure enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict.” It would become operational once three member states ratify the charter.
“Each Member State shall serve a term of no more than three years from this Charter’s entry into force, subject to renewal by the Chairman. The three-year membership term, however, shall not apply to Member States that contribute more than $1,000,000,000 in cash funds to the Board of Peace within the first year of the Charter’s entry into force,” the draft reads.
While states could technically join without paying, a US official confirmed to Bloomberg that the $1 billion contribution would secure permanent status. Funds raised would be used to carry out the board’s mandate, including Gaza reconstruction, the official said, adding that the board aims to direct nearly all funds toward its stated objectives.
The draft charter, however, indicates that control over the organization’s finances would rest with Trump, a provision that sources told Bloomberg is likely to be unacceptable to many potential members.
The sources added that several countries strongly oppose the draft charter and are coordinating collective efforts to block the proposals.
The charter stipulates that the board will hold at least one voting meeting annually, “and at such additional times and locations as the Chairman deems appropriate,” with meeting agendas subject to the Chairman's approval. The board would also convene regular non-voting meetings with its executive board at least quarterly.
The Chairman would further have the authority to expel any member state, unless two-thirds of member countries object. The document also states that “President Trump may, at any time, appoint a successor to the Chairman.”
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