In January 2026, the world watched as Donald Trump officially launched the Board of Peace (BoP) during a high-stakes ceremony at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Marketed as a “bold new approach to resolving global conflict,” the Board has quickly become the most talked-about—and controversial—international organization of the decade.
While the Board was initially authorized under UN Security Council Resolution 2803 to oversee the post-war reconstruction of Gaza, its scope has expanded significantly. Trump has positioned the Board as a potential alternative to the United Nations, inviting dozens of world leaders to join what critics are calling a “pay-to-play” diplomatic club.
The Official List: Countries in the Trump Board of Peace 2026
As of late January 2026, approximately 26 nations have officially signed the Charter or accepted their invitation to join as founding members. The membership is a diverse mix of Middle Eastern powers, Central Asian nations, and close Trump allies from Europe and South America.
Member Countries & Signatories
| Region | Countries |
|---|---|
| Middle East & North Africa | Israel, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco |
| Europe & Eurasia | Hungary, Bulgaria, Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kosovo |
| Central & South Asia | Pakistan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Vietnam |
| Americas | United States, Argentina, Paraguay |
The “Maybe” and “No” Lists
- Canada: Prime Minister Mark Carney initially agreed in principle but balked at the $1 billion permanent membership fee. Trump subsequently withdrew the invitation on January 22, 2026.
- The “Big Rejections”: France, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Italy, and Slovenia have declined to join, citing concerns that the Board undermines the United Nations.
- Russia & Ukraine: Both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenskyy were invited. While Putin is “consulting strategic partners,” Zelenskyy has expressed deep skepticism about sitting on a peace board alongside the Russian leader.
What is the Board of Peace? Understanding the $1 Billion Fee
The Board of Peace is not your average international body. According to the leaked Charter, the organization is built on a unique “pay-for-permanence” model.
- Permanent Membership: Countries can secure a permanent seat by contributing $1 billion into a fund controlled by the Chairman (Donald Trump).
- Standard Membership: Nations that do not pay the fee are granted a 3-year term.
- Life Chairman: Donald Trump is named as the Chairman for life, holding the sole power to invite members, set the agenda, and veto any resolution.
Trump has defended the $1 billion fee, claiming the funds will be used directly for Gaza’s reconstruction and to avoid the “administrative bloat” typical of the UN.
The Gaza Executive Board: A New Governance Strategy
While the main Board of Peace focuses on global diplomacy, a secondary tier called the Gaza Executive Board is tasked with the day-to-day administration of the Gaza Strip.
This board works alongside the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), a technocratic body of Palestinians led by Ali Shaath. The goal is to transition Gaza from conflict to a “Singapore-on-the-Mediterranean” model, focusing on:
- Infrastructure: Rebuilding hospitals, bakeries, and electricity grids.
- Security: Deploying an International Stabilization Force (ISF) to train a new Palestinian police force.
- Investment: Attracting large-scale capital for real estate and tourism developments.
Key figures on the executive board include Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Expert Analysis: Is this a UN Rival?
Diplomats and political scientists are divided on whether the Board of Peace is a legitimate peacekeeping tool or a tool for U.S. hegemony.
“It’s a ‘Trump United Nations’ that ignores the fundamentals of the UN charter. It is the institutional expression of a belief that one man can solve what institutions could not.” — European Diplomat via The Guardian
Critics point out that the Board’s logo—a golden version of the UN globe—suggests a desire to supplant the 80-year-old institution. Supporters, however, argue that the UN has failed to bring peace to the Middle East for decades, and a “CEO-style” approach to diplomacy is exactly what is needed.
Engagement Tips & Key Takeaways
If you are following the development of the Board of Peace, keep these points in mind:
- Watch the Tariffs: Trump has already threatened countries like France with 200% tariffs for refusing to join.
- The “Greenland” Factor: Discussions regarding Greenland’s security and resources are reportedly on the Board’s future agenda.
- The 100-Day Plan: Jared Kushner has promised a “surge in aid” and a “new map for Gaza” within the first 100 days of the Board’s operation.
FAQs
Who is the head of the Board of Peace? Donald Trump is the Chairman for life, as established in the organization’s Charter.
Which countries have rejected the invitation? Major Western allies including France, the UK, Canada, and several Nordic countries have declined or expressed reservations.
Is the Board of Peace part of the UN? Technically, it was authorized by a UN resolution to manage Gaza, but its Charter operates independently of UN oversight, leading to claims that it is a rival organization.
