The Board of Peace: A New Initiative Under Donald Trump

The Board of Peace, established by a United Nations Security Council resolution in November 2025, aims to implement a peace plan for Gaza. However, it has evolved into a platform that many perceive as a means for President Donald Trump to exert influence over international affairs. While the board was initially intended to focus solely on Gaza, its charter does not mention the region, leading to concerns about its broader ambitions.

The Guardian

As of now, only about 20 countries have committed to joining the Board of Peace, including Albania, Argentina, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. Notably absent are many influential Western nations such as France, Germany, and Canada, which have expressed reluctance to participate due to fears that the board could undermine the United Nations. French officials have indicated that they believe the board may conflict with UN objectives, prompting President Trump to respond with threats of tariffs on French goods.

The Guardian

The governance structure of the Board of Peace grants Trump significant control. He serves as the chair for life, with the ability to call meetings and veto decisions made by the executive board, which includes his close advisors. This concentration of power has raised alarms among critics who question whether such a body can effectively promote peace given Trump's unpredictable approach to foreign policy.

The Guardian

Indonesia has emerged as the first country to commit troops to the proposed international stabilization force under Trump’s plan, with plans to send between 5,000 and 8,000 troops to Gaza. This decision marks a historic move, as it would be the first deployment of foreign troops to Gaza since 1967. Indonesian officials have indicated that their forces would play a supportive role, although there are concerns about the potential backlash from Israeli hardliners and the broader implications of such involvement.

The Guardian

Critics of the Board of Peace have raised concerns about its legitimacy and the potential for it to become a tool for Trump’s personal diplomacy rather than a genuine peace initiative. Observers in Indonesia have cautioned that joining the board could embroil the country in a conflict it cannot control, emphasizing the need for Indonesia to maintain its influence rather than merely serving as a pawn in a larger geopolitical game.

The Guardian

The establishment of the Board of Peace has sparked a range of reactions globally, with some countries like the Philippines considering participation while others, like Poland and Italy, have declined. The board's first full meeting is scheduled for next week, and its effectiveness in addressing the Gaza conflict and other global issues remains uncertain. As the situation develops, the international community will be watching closely to see how this initiative unfolds and whether it can achieve its stated goals of peace and stability.

The Guardian

• “This board has the chance to be one of the most consequential bodies ever created in the history of the world,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States

The Guardian

• “We’re going to be very successful in Gaza. It’s going to be a good thing to watch. And we can do other things. We can do numerous other things once this board is completely formed, we can pretty much whatever we want to do.” — Donald Trump, President of the United States

The Guardian

• “Ultimately, Indonesia’s decision to join Trump’s [board of peace] is a diplomatic gamble that is only worthwhile if it produces real influence rather than mere symbolism,” — Jakarta Globe Commentary

The Guardian