Source note: This report has been compiled from multiple media sources.
The government of US President Donald Trump has asked countries to contribute up to $1 billion for permanent membership on a proposed “Board of Peace,” an international body aimed at resolving global conflicts, according to its charter reviewed by AFP.
The board was initially conceived to oversee post-war reconstruction in Gaza, but the charter does not limit its mandate to the Palestinian territory. Instead, it describes a broader mission focused on conflict prevention and peace-building worldwide.
According to the founding document, the Board of Peace will be chaired by Trump. It is described as an international organisation intended to promote stability, restore lawful governance and secure lasting peace in regions affected by, or at risk of, conflict, while operating in accordance with international law.
Trump will serve both as chairman and separately as the representative of the United States. The charter grants the chairman exclusive authority to create, modify or dissolve subsidiary bodies and to appoint members of an executive board, who will serve two-year terms and can be removed by the chairman. The chairman can only be replaced through voluntary resignation or incapacity. A US official confirmed that Trump could retain the chairmanship even after leaving the White House, although a future US president may appoint a different US representative.
Membership of the board is by invitation from the US president, with member states represented by their head of state or government. Membership terms are limited to three years, except for countries that contribute more than $1 billion in cash within the first year of the charter taking effect, in which case the term limit does not apply. US officials said participation does not require mandatory funding beyond voluntary contributions. The board will meet annually, with decisions taken by majority vote and the chairman holding the tie-breaking vote.
The executive board will consist of seven members, chaired by Trump. Named members include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special negotiator Steve Witkoff, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, former UK prime minister Tony Blair, US financier Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and Robert Gabriel, a Trump aide on the National Security Council.
Invitations have been sent to dozens of countries, including close US allies and geopolitical rivals. China has been invited, as have Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, despite Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Several governments have said they will participate, including Hungary and the United Arab Emirates. Canada has agreed to join but has ruled out paying the $1 billion fee for permanent membership.
France has indicated it will not take part, prompting Trump to threaten high tariffs on French wine. Zelensky said it would be “very hard” to sit on a council alongside Russia, while Britain expressed concern over Putin’s inclusion, describing him as the aggressor in an illegal war against Ukraine.
The charter states that the Board of Peace will formally enter into force once three states express consent to be bound by its terms.