Donald Trump has officially established himself as the head of the Board of Peace, a new international organization aimed at fostering peace, in a move to challenge the United Nations.
Despite the UK’s decision not to join the board, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair is reported to be a member of the executive team.
Concerns are rising that Trump is creating an authoritarian alternative to the United Nations, as a draft constitution proposes him as a lifelong chairman with full control over the $1 billion membership fee required from permanent members.
Several nations that have joined the board are led by right-wing authoritarian leaders. Among the signatories are Argentina, Bahrain, Egypt, Hungary, Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, but notable absentees are America’s traditional European allies such as France, Italy, Sweden, and the UK.
The UK’s Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, expressed reservations about President Putin’s involvement in the board, emphasizing the need for a genuine commitment to peace, particularly in Ukraine.
Out of the 20 countries that have signed up, only Argentina and Israel are categorized as “free” according to the Freedom House’s 2025 report. The majority of the other signatories have varying degrees of restrictions on political rights and civil liberties.
The board’s executive committee includes key figures like US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Tony Blair, and other prominent leaders.
During the launch event at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump expressed optimism about the board’s potential to address various global issues, including the Israel-Hamas conflict. He highlighted the importance of collaboration with the United Nations.
In his remarks, Trump acknowledged the role of the United Nations in the establishment of the Board of Peace, emphasizing the potential for cooperation between the two entities.