Trump Unveils ‘Board of Peace’ in Davos as Major Nations Stay Away

US President Donald Trump has launched his ambitious ‘Board of Peace’, presenting it as a new global platform to oversee peace efforts and post-war reconstruction, starting with Gaza. However, the initiative has sparked cautious reactions, with major global powers including India and several European nations choosing not to join—at least for now.

The board was formally unveiled during a signing ceremony on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Trump claimed that several global conflicts were nearing an end. While a group of countries signed on, the absence of many influential nations has raised questions about the board’s future role and credibility.

Who Joined the Board — And Who Stayed Away

Eleven countries signed the founding documents of the Board of Peace. These include Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Hungary, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Pakistan, Paraguay, and Uzbekistan. Senior officials from UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey, Jordan, Bahrain, Morocco, and Mongolia also participated.

However, many key global players were missing. India, along with Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and several other European nations, did not send representatives. No permanent member of the UN Security Council, apart from the United States, has joined the board so far.

India Takes a Wait-and-Watch Approach

India was among nearly 60 countries invited to join the Board of Peace. Yet, New Delhi has not taken a decision and skipped the signing ceremony in Switzerland.

Officials familiar with the matter say India is closely observing how strategic partners such as France and Russiarespond. There are also concerns that the board could weaken the role of the United Nations, especially since Trump is expected to remain chairman indefinitely.

Another point of concern is the unclear scope of the board’s mandate, which appears to go far beyond Gaza and could overlap with existing global institutions.

Gaza’s Role Remains Unclear

Although the Board of Peace was presented as a body to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction, reports suggest that Gaza is not explicitly mentioned in its official charter. Instead, the document outlines a broad mission to promote stability and peace across conflict zones worldwide.

Trump has openly said that once established, the board could address multiple global crises. This wide scope has made several countries cautious, especially those who prefer working through existing international frameworks.

European Concerns and Russia’s Invitation

Several European nations have openly expressed reservations. The UK cited concerns over Russia’s invitation, while France and Germany reportedly declined outright. Italy and Belgium said they needed more time, while Sweden, Norway, and Slovenia also chose not to participate.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was invited to join the board, though no Russian representative attended the signing event. US officials have confirmed that talks with Russia on the matter are ongoing.

Trump’s Claims Draw Pushback

At Davos, Trump claimed credit for helping end eight wars in nine months, including a brief military standoff between India and Pakistan last year. He said Pakistan’s prime minister praised him for preventing a major conflict.

India has strongly rejected these claims, stating that the situation ended through direct talks between Indian and Pakistani military leaders, without external mediation.

Earlier Greenland Crisis Adds to Global Doubts

Trump’s global diplomacy has already faced turbulence. Earlier this month, he stepped back from threats to use economic pressure to gain US control over Greenland, following concerns raised by NATO allies.

The sudden reversal, which included dropping proposed tariffs on European countries, came after talks with NATO leadership and was seen as a relief in Denmark. The episode added to broader concerns among allies about Trump’s foreign policy style and unpredictability.

What Lies Ahead for the Board of Peace

The White House has announced an Executive Board that includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and World Bank President Ajay Banga.

While the Board of Peace has received endorsement from the UN Security Council, many countries remain cautious. For India and several European nations, the decision appears tied to how the board defines its role and whether it complements—or competes with—existing global institutions.

For now, Trump’s Board of Peace moves forward without the backing of many major powers, highlighting the challenges of building a new global order in an already complex diplomatic landscape.