Heads are turning at Davos this week as President Donald Trump unveiled his ambitious ‘Board of Peace’ – a new global crisis panel that some see as a rival to the United Nations. 🌍🤝
Invitations were sent last week to about 60 governments, including Britain, Russia and the Chinese mainland. Inside Davos halls, politicians from Arab nations, Latin America and Europe admit they felt they had little choice: sign up or risk the president’s wrath. As one Arab official put it, ‘Who can say no to Trump?’
White House insiders say around 35 world leaders have already committed. The board, chaired by Trump himself, carries a hefty price tag – each seat comes with a $1 billion fee. Originally designed to rebuild Gaza after conflict, its mandate now covers global flashpoints, a role traditionally held by the UN.
European leaders are split. France plans to decline, with President Emmanuel Macron and Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot citing conflicts with existing UN commitments. Norway and Sweden have also said no. Italy and Germany remain on the fence, while Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer is consulting allies before deciding.
Diplomats describe the draft charter as a ‘bureaucratic nightmare’, noting that Trump could only be removed voluntarily or by unanimous executive board vote – essentially cementing him in charge for life unless all members agree otherwise.
Critics warn the board’s opaque rules concentrate power in one hand. Paul Salem from the Middle East Institute argues it reflects Trump’s trademark playbook: keep the details fluid, leverage uncertainty and shape outcomes behind closed doors.
Trump’s allies in Latin America and the Middle East praise the move as bold leadership. But for many governments, joining feels like a high-stakes gamble – balancing deterrence of punishment against the risk of backing an untested club.
As talks continue on the snowy slopes of Davos, one question hangs in the air: will this new forum reshape global politics, or will it simply mirror the unpredictability of its creator? 🏔️❄️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
