Overview
- At Davos, President Donald Trump unveiled the Board of Peace with a charter signed by representatives of about 19 countries, with organisers saying it would work in conjunction with the United Nations.
- European Council President Antonio Costa said EU leaders have serious doubts about the board’s scope, governance and compatibility with the UN Charter, even as they stand ready to cooperate on Gaza implementation.
- Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva accused Trump of trying to create a “new UN,” joining France and the United Kingdom in voicing objections to the initiative.
- The charter provides three‑year memberships unless countries pay $1 billion for permanent seats, designates Trump as chair and does not clearly limit the body’s remit to Gaza.
- Pakistan joined after federal cabinet approval, but Israel’s economy minister said Pakistan and several other countries would not be allowed roles in Gaza operations, and no other UN Security Council permanent member has committed to join.