Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has confirmed Australia is giving serious consideration to an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join a newly proposed international 'board of peace', a body critics fear could undermine the United Nations.
A Surprise Invitation for Australia
The invitation, which arrived over the weekend, asks Australia to participate in a US-led initiative focused on Middle East peace efforts and the reconstruction of Gaza following the war between Israel and Hamas. Albanese stated the correspondence was received and would be examined through proper government processes.
"We’ll consider all of these approaches respectfully," the Prime Minister said on Monday, acknowledging the request but stopping short of an immediate commitment. The proposed board is part of a broader vision from the Trump administration to create a "more nimble and effective international peace-building body" outside traditional frameworks.
Structure, Funding, and Global Concerns
Details from a draft charter reveal a controversial structure. President Trump would serve as chair, with national leaders forming its top tier. Countries would serve three-year terms, but those contributing US$1 billion to the United States would be granted permanent status. This financial aspect has drawn sharp criticism, with Greens defence spokesperson David Shoebridge condemning it as "profiteering off genocide."
The board's stated mandate is to promote global stability and governance, seeking "enduring peace in areas affected or threatened by conflict"—work traditionally within the UN's remit. Diplomats worldwide have expressed concern that this is a deliberate attempt by Trump, a frequent critic of multilateralism, to sideline the global body. Earlier this month, the US withdrew from over 30 UN subsidiary organisations.
Domestic and International Reactions
Shadow foreign affairs minister Michaelia Cash urged Labor to carefully examine the proposal, stating the Coalition needed to understand its objectives and implications before Australia engaged. Meanwhile, the government has already pushed back on other contentious Trump policies, such as proposed tariffs on nations opposing US ambitions in Greenland.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher labelled the tariff threats the "wrong course," while Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasised that Greenland's future must be decided by Denmark and Greenland itself. Albanese has previously highlighted his respectful working relationship with Trump, focusing on areas of common interest.
The international response remains mixed. Leaders from France, Germany, Italy, and others have also been invited. A UN spokesperson noted that member states are free to associate in different groups, even as officials reveal the US, responsible for 22% of the UN budget, currently owes $1.5 billion.
As the Albanese government deliberates, the decision will hinge on balancing the potential for influence in Middle East peace efforts against the risks of endorsing a framework that could weaken established international institutions.
