By Joke Kujenya
CONTROVERSIAL NEW global conflict resolution plans were unveiled on Thursday at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos with the launch of the Board of Peace by United States President Donald Trump.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the initiative, which Trump will chair, is intended to mediate and resolve international conflicts through a select council of permanent members, each required to pay a reported $1 billion fee for a seat on the board.
Also, the signing ceremony was attended by leaders and senior officials from 19 countries, including Argentina, Hungary and Saudi Arabia.
Trump said the Board of Peace would operate in conjunction with the United Nations (UN), despite concerns among diplomats that it could undermine or rival existing multilateral institutions.
United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the board’s immediate priority would be stabilising the Middle East, with a focus on securing a lasting ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
“The board’s focus is first and foremost on making sure that this peace deal in Gaza becomes enduring,” Rubio said.
The composition and mandate of the board drew international debate following Trump’s invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose country invaded Ukraine four years ago.
Trump said Putin had accepted the invitation, while the Kremlin said the Russian leader was still considering participation.
Several long standing United States allies declined to attend the ceremony or endorse the initiative.
France and Britain were absent, while United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said London had reservations over the legal and diplomatic implications of the proposal.
“We won’t be one of the signatories today, because this is about a legal treaty that raises much broader issues,” Cooper said, citing concerns over Russia’s involvement.
Norway, Sweden and Slovenia also opted out of the initiative. Italy and Germany are still reviewing the proposal, according to reports.
Following the Davos ceremony, Trump is expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss prospects for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Zelensky has previously expressed concerns that Trump’s foreign policy priorities, including renewed interest in Greenland, could divert international focus from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, said negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine had made progress, with one major issue remaining unresolved.
“Talks have moved forward significantly,” Witkoff said, adding that he would travel to Moscow to meet President Putin before heading to Abu Dhabi for further discussions with regional stakeholders.
JKNewsMedia.com further reports that diplomatic observers said the success or failure of the Board of Peace may depend on its ability to gain broader international legitimacy and clarify its relationship with existing global institutions, particularly the United Nations.
