The Trump administration has proposed that countries pay up to 1 billion U.S. dollars in exchange for permanent membership on the "Peace Board," a new mechanism promoted by Trump to address international conflicts.
The document states that the White House has invited several national leaders to join the Peace Board or Peace Committee, with Trump himself serving as chairman. The list includes Russian President Vladimir Putin, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
According to the draft charter, Peace Board member countries, represented by their leaders, have a term limit of up to three years from when the charter takes effect and may renew their membership at the chairman's discretion.
However, this rule does not apply to countries that pay more than 1 billion U.S. dollars, or over 31.5 billion baht, within the first year of the board’s establishment, effectively allowing those who pay large sums to maintain membership longer.
The Peace Board was initially proposed to oversee Gaza's reconstruction after the war, but the charter does not limit its role to Palestinian territories. It states the board aims to promote stability, restore legitimate governance, and build lasting peace in areas affected by or at risk of conflict.
The White House specifies the organization's structure will include the main board, a Palestinian committee of technocrats to manage Gaza, and an executive committee with an advisory role.
Reactions from key allies like France and Canada have been cautious. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said France cannot join at this stage because the board's charter extends beyond Gaza's reconstruction as recognized by the United Nations framework and conflicts with France's international obligations, especially its permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
A Canadian government source stated Ottawa will not pay to join the board and has not been asked for payment, despite Prime Minister Mark Carney signaling acceptance of the invitation to participate.
Professor Paul Williams of George Washington University sees the $1 billion permanent membership proposal as Trump’s attempt to create a pay-to-play alternative to the United Nations Security Council, with Trump holding sole veto power.
The charter also references the United Nations, stating the Peace Board should have the courage to depart from approaches and institutions that have repeatedly failed, aligning with Trump’s ongoing criticism of the UN and recent withdrawal of the U.S. from the organization and 66 international treaties, more than half involving the UN.
The United Nations responded immediately, with a spokesperson for the UN General Assembly President stating that there is only one global multilateral organization responsible for world peace and security, and that is the United Nations.
Analysts from the International Crisis Group note that at least 60 countries have been invited to join the Peace Board; some may see it as an opportunity to strengthen ties with Trump, while others may view it as a consolidation of global power.
According to the draft charter, Trump, as board chairman, would have the authority to remove member countries unless opposed by a two-thirds majority of all members, and also the right to choose his successor should he leave office.
Analysts from the German Marshall Fund suggest only a few countries are likely to join this initiative at a time when many still seek to uphold the existing multilateral system.
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