Former US President Donald Trump has declared the world to be "richer, safer and much more peaceful than it was just one year ago" during a high-profile launch event for his newly established "Board of Peace" initiative. The announcement took place at the prestigious World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where Trump presided over a formal signing ceremony attended by international leaders.
Claims of Conflict Resolution and Global Leadership
Addressing the assembled dignitaries, Trump reiterated his controversial assertion that his administration had successfully halted eight separate wars around the globe. "We put out all those fires. Most people didn't know, including me, that some of those wars were going on," he stated, positioning himself as a pivotal figure in international diplomacy. The event saw ministers and heads of government from 19 nations, including Morocco, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, and Saudi Arabia, gather on stage to endorse the charter.
International Participation and Political Dynamics
The signatories were represented by 18 men and one woman, Vjosa Osmani, the President of Kosovo, with Argentina's President Javier Milei also in attendance. Trump characterised the group as "in most cases very popular leaders – in some cases, not so popular, but that's the way it goes in life." He further proclaimed that the newly formed board would become "one of the most consequential bodies ever created in the history of the world," signalling ambitious geopolitical aspirations.
Originally conceived as part of Trump's proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, the Board of Peace has since evolved to encompass a broader strategic role. When questioned by journalists about whether this fledgling organisation could potentially replace the United Nations, Trump responded cryptically, "It might." Last week, he unveiled a founding executive board that includes notable figures such as former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and his son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Gaza Conflict and International Reactions
On the topic of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Trump claimed that hostilities in Gaza had been significantly reduced to "little fires." He insisted that Hamas militants "would have to give up their weapons" and controversially remarked that its members were "born with rifles in their hands." However, the initiative has not garnered universal support, with the British Foreign Secretary, Yvette Cooper, announcing that the UK would not be signing the charter at this time.
Cooper expressed reservations about the legal implications of the treaty and raised concerns regarding the participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, given the ongoing war in Ukraine. "We have still not seen any signs from Putin that there will be a commitment to peace in Ukraine," she stated, highlighting the complex diplomatic landscape. Russia has abstained from the World Economic Forum since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and Putin has indicated that Moscow is still consulting with strategic partners before making any commitment to the peace plan.
