Donald Trump declared that the world is “richer, safer, and much more peaceful than it was just one year ago” during the launch of his “board of peace” initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The former U.S. President described the new organization as potentially “one of the most consequential bodies ever created in the history of the world.”
At the signing ceremony, U.S. and Palestinian officials outlined a framework for a ceasefire in Gaza, proposing a Palestinian-run technocratic administration to manage the territory. This administration, assembled in Cairo, aims to oversee the day-to-day operations in Gaza. Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, detailed a 100-day plan to enhance aid, rehabilitate infrastructure, and reconstruct essential services in Gaza.
Blueprint for Gaza’s Future
Kushner presented an aspirational vision for Gaza, featuring a unified territory with a buffer zone along the Israeli border. In a dramatic moment, Palestinian official Ali Shaath announced via video link that the Rafah crossing to Egypt would reopen next week, marking the first time since May 2024 that traffic could flow in both directions.
“Opening Rafah signals Gaza is no longer closed to the future or to the world,” Shaath declared, emphasizing the crossing’s importance as Gaza’s lifeline.
Shaath’s message to the people of Gaza was one of resilience and hope: “Step by step, with discipline and determination, we will rebuild a capable Gaza – capable of self-reliance – and we will build it into a center for freedom, opportunity, and peace.”
International Reactions and Concerns
The announcements at Davos have sparked concern within the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The coalition, which opposes a unified Palestinian-run Gaza, is particularly wary of reopening Rafah before the return of Israeli hostage Ran Gvili, still held by Hamas. The Israeli cabinet is set to convene to discuss these developments.
Trump, meanwhile, highlighted his past achievements, reiterating his disputed claim of having stopped eight wars. “We put out all those fires. Most people didn’t know, including me, that some of those wars were going on,” he stated.
Leaders from 19 countries, including Morocco, Hungary, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia, attended the event. Trump described them as “in most cases very popular leaders – in some cases, not so popular, but that’s the way it goes in life.”
Potential Global Impact
Trump, alongside Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa of Bahrain, signed a document inaugurating the board. Despite some diplomats’ concerns that the board might aim to supplant the United Nations, Trump suggested that both organizations could collaborate effectively.
“I think the combination of the board of peace with the kind of people we have here, coupled with the United Nations, could be something very, very unique for the world,” Trump remarked, adding that the UN had “tremendous potential” yet to be realized.
The board, chaired by Trump, was initially part of a plan for a Gaza ceasefire but may now take on a broader geopolitical role. When questioned about replacing the UN, Trump cryptically responded, “It might.”
The founding executive board includes notable figures such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair and World Bank President Ajay Banga. However, the initiative faces skepticism, notably from British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, who cited concerns about Russia’s involvement and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Russia has abstained from the World Economic Forum since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin has indicated that Moscow is consulting with “strategic partners” before committing to the peace plan.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the “board of peace” marks a significant moment in international diplomacy, with potential implications for global governance structures. As the initiative unfolds, its effectiveness and impact on existing geopolitical tensions will be closely monitored. The coming weeks will reveal whether Trump’s ambitious vision can translate into tangible progress toward peace and stability in regions like Gaza and beyond.
