President Donald Trump's ambitious plan to establish a Board of Peace has faced a wave of rejection from major world powers, who have instead pledged their support for the United Nations. The Board, initially conceived as a small group of world leaders to oversee Gaza's future, has expanded into a much broader mandate, aiming to mediate worldwide conflicts and challenge the Security Council's authority. This expansion has caused concern among global leaders, who fear it could undermine the UN's role in maintaining international peace and security.
The Board's charter, which grants Trump veto power and a leadership role until his resignation, has been met with skepticism. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attempted to clarify the Board's initial focus on the Gaza ceasefire plan, but Trump's broader ambitions and comments about potentially replacing the UN have been widely dismissed. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the Security Council's unique role in adopting binding decisions on international peace and security, stating that no other body can legally compel all member states to comply.
The Board's charter has also been criticized for its potential to overshadow the UN and its Security Council. Key Security Council members, including China, France, Russia, the UK, Japan, and Germany, have refused to join, citing concerns over the Board's scope and potential conflicts with the UN's mission. The invitation to join the Board coincided with Trump's controversial demand to purchase Greenland, which was met with strong opposition from NATO allies and European countries.
Despite Trump's efforts, the Board has struggled to gain traction. Only about 26 of 60 invited countries have joined, and several European nations have declined. India, initially absent from the signing ceremony, is still deciding its position. The Board has also faced criticism from human rights organizations and UN officials, who argue that it could become a platform for human rights abuses and war crimes suspects rather than a serious international organization. However, eight Muslim nations have supported the Board's mission in Gaza and the advancement of Palestinian statehood, indicating a potential divide in global opinion on the issue.
