Washington/Davos:
At least eight additional countries have confirmed receiving invitations from the United States to join President Donald Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’, a new international body intended to oversee the next phase of the Gaza ceasefire, while also signalling ambitions for a broader role in global conflict resolution.
So far, Hungary and Vietnam have officially accepted the invitation, while several other countries — including India and Australia — have acknowledged receiving the offer and are reviewing its implications.
$1 Billion for Permanent Membership
According to a US official, speaking on condition of anonymity as the charter has not been made public, the Board of Peace offers:
- Three-year memberships with no financial contribution
- Permanent membership in exchange for a $1 billion contribution
The funds raised would be directed toward the reconstruction of Gaza, the official said.
Hungary, Vietnam Accept; India Invited
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a strong supporter of Trump in Europe, has accepted the invitation, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed on state radio.
Vietnam’s Communist Party chief To Lam has also accepted, according to a statement from the Vietnamese foreign ministry.
A senior Indian government official, speaking anonymously, confirmed that India has received an invitation, though New Delhi has not yet made a public announcement or taken a position.
Australia, Pakistan and Others Weigh Participation
Australia confirmed it had been invited, with Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles saying Canberra would engage with Washington to better understand the proposal.
Several other countries confirmed receipt of invitations on Sunday, including:
- Jordan
- Greece
- Cyprus
- Pakistan
Countries previously invited include Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Paraguay, Argentina and Albania, though it remains unclear how many nations have been approached in total.
The United States is expected to announce the official list of members in the coming days, potentially during the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
Mandate: Gaza First, Global Conflicts Next
The Board of Peace is designed to oversee the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, which took effect on October 10 and presents significant challenges.
Its responsibilities include:
- Establishing a new Palestinian governing committee in Gaza
- Deploying an international security force
- Disarming Hamas
- Coordinating the reconstruction of Gaza
In invitation letters sent Friday, Trump told world leaders the board would pursue a “bold new approach to resolving global conflict”, language that has sparked concern among diplomats.
Concerns Over UN Rivalry
The initiative is increasingly being viewed as a potential rival to the United Nations Security Council, whose effectiveness has been limited by repeated vetoes — including by the US — and funding cuts under the Trump administration.
Trump’s letters noted that the UN Security Council had endorsed the US-backed 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan, which includes the creation of the Board of Peace. Some invitees posted the letters publicly on social media.
Israel Raises Objections
The White House recently announced an executive committee to implement the board’s vision, but Israel publicly objected, saying the committee had not been coordinated with Jerusalem and ran contrary to Israeli policy — a rare public rebuke of Washington by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
Who’s on the Executive Committee?
The committee includes several high-profile figures:
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- Trump envoy Steve Witkoff
- Jared Kushner
- Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair
- World Bank President Ajay Banga
- US Deputy National Security Adviser Robert Gabriel
- Israeli billionaire businessman Yakir Gabay
It also includes representatives from Qatar, Egypt and Turkey, which have served as ceasefire mediators.
Despite its strained ties with Israel, Turkey’s relationship with Hamas could make it a key player in persuading the group to relinquish control and disarm, analysts say.
A New Global Order?
With its expanding scope, financial entry requirements, and leadership structure centred on Trump, the Board of Peace is shaping up to be one of the most controversial diplomatic initiatives in recent history, raising questions about global governance, legitimacy, and the future role of the United Nations.