20 Nations Join Trump’s Board of Peace, Expanding Its Mission

The White House announced that 20 additional countries have joined President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace,” broadening its mandate beyond the initial focus on the Gaza conflict. This expansion reflects a shift in the board’s role, which was created in response to a UN Security Council directive, but has since sparked concerns among some Western nations regarding its implications for the United Nations.

Expansion of the Board’s Role

During a press briefing on January 27, Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary, confirmed the new memberships but withheld the specific names of the countries involved. The Board of Peace was initially established to oversee conflict management in Gaza for a two-year period, but the Trump administration is now positioning it to tackle conflicts globally.

Leavitt acknowledged the initiative has faced skepticism from various Western governments, who are wary of the board’s potential to undermine the authority of the UN. She emphasized the significance of the recent return of the last Israeli hostage from Gaza, calling it a substantial achievement in foreign policy for Trump, Israel, and the global community.

This announcement followed Trump’s formal launch of the Board of Peace at the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22, 2026. He described the board as potentially the “most prestigious board ever formed,” expressing optimism about achieving peace worldwide.

Membership and Financial Commitments

Trump stated that around 35 nations have committed to join the board, with 60 countries receiving invitations. He noted that some leaders are awaiting parliamentary approval before confirming their participation, while nations not initially invited have expressed interest in joining.

During discussions with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sisi, Trump highlighted the importance of including powerful leaders such as Vladimir Putin to facilitate the peace process. Nevertheless, several European allies, including the United Kingdom, declined to participate, citing concerns over the board’s expanded mandate and its potential impact on the international system governed by the UN Charter.

According to reports, the charter requires countries seeking permanent membership to contribute USD 1 billion, while non-contributing members would receive a limited three-year mandate. Notably, the charter designates Trump as the board’s permanent chairman, even after his presidency ends.

Trump has linked the board’s creation to his administration’s broader strategy regarding Iran and its role in securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. He asserted that without this initiative, the chances for peace would have been significantly diminished.

This expansion of the Board of Peace marks a pivotal moment in international diplomacy, with implications that could reshape the dynamics of global conflict resolution. As the situation evolves, the effectiveness and legitimacy of this initiative will be closely scrutinized by the international community.