US President Donald Trump’s proposed ‘Board of Peace’ asks nations for up to $1 billion for a permanent seat, with a charter revealing expansive powers for the chairman.
BRUSSELS: US President Donald Trump’s administration has asked countries to pay up to USD 1 billion for a permanent spot on his proposed “Board of Peace”.
According to a charter seen by AFP, the board was originally conceived to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction but is not limited to that role.
It describes itself as an international organisation seeking to promote stability and secure enduring peace in conflict areas.
The board will undertake peace-building functions in accordance with international law.
Trump will serve as the board’s chairman and separately as the US representative.
The charter grants the chairman exclusive authority to create, modify, or dissolve subsidiary entities.
He will also appoint an executive board of “leaders of global stature” to serve two-year terms.
These appointees are subject to removal by the chairman, who can only be replaced due to resignation or incapacity.
A US official confirmed Trump could retain the chairmanship even after leaving the White House.
Member states must be invited by the US president and represented by their head of state or government.
The standard membership term is three years, but this limit is waived for states contributing over USD 1 billion within the first year.
The US official stated membership does not carry a mandatory funding obligation beyond voluntary contributions.
The board will convene annual meetings, with decisions made by majority vote and the chairman breaking ties.
The proposed executive board includes US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Other members are special negotiator Steve Witkoff, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and financier Marc Rowan.
World Bank President Ajay Banga and NSC aide Robert Gabriel complete the seven-member list.
Dozens of countries have received invitations, including close allies and adversaries like China and Russia.
China’s foreign ministry said it would defend the international system with the UN at its core.
Both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have been invited.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed to join.
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and the United Arab Emirates have also said they will participate.
Canada said it would take part but explicitly ruled out paying the USD 1 billion fee.
France has indicated it will not join, prompting a threat from Trump to impose high tariffs on French wine.
Zelensky said it would be “very hard” to be on a council with Russia, with diplomats “working on it”.
Britain expressed concern over Putin’s invitation, calling him an aggressor not serious about peace.
The charter enters into force upon consent from three states.
