In a dramatic move at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed into existence his ‘Board of Peace’ aimed at resolving the Gaza conflict and potentially broader global tensions. Flanked by a select group of international figures, Trump declared the initiative a pivotal step toward stability, though European nations conspicuously stayed away from the ceremony. The board, initially pitched as a mechanism for Gaza’s reconstruction amid ongoing violence, has evolved into a proposed alternative to traditional multilateral bodies.

According to CNBC, the signing marked the formal launch with Trump introducing founding members during his address. ‘We’ll work with many others, including the United Nations,’ Trump stated, as reported by TIME. Yet diplomats warn it risks undermining established institutions like the UN, per Reuters.

Core Mandate and Initial Scope

The board’s charter focuses first on Gaza’s administration and rebuilding, stemming from Trump’s comprehensive plan announced earlier this month. A White House statement highlighted the formation of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) as a precursor, congratulating its establishment as ‘a vital step forward,’ according to the White House. Al Jazeera reports that four Palestinians were killed in Gaza on the day of the signing, underscoring the urgency, as covered in their live updates (Al Jazeera).

Several nations committed ahead of the Thursday-planned ceremony, but participation remains uneven. Founding Members Step Forward

Key figures on the board include Tony Blair, the former UK prime minister, alongside U.S. officials like Marco Rubio, Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Marc Rowan, Ajay Banga, and Robert Gabriel, as noted in posts found on X and detailed by TIME. Trump was flanked by these individuals during the signing of the inaugural resolution advancing the Gaza mandate, according to Open Source Intel on X. Al Jazeera specifies that several nations agreed to join before the event (Al Jazeera).

The CNBC article lists confirmed participants from the U.S., Middle Eastern allies, and select global partners, emphasizing the board’s aim to bypass protracted UN processes. High-Profile Absences Raise Eyebrows

European countries did not attend, signaling deep reservations about the initiative’s structure and leadership. CNBC notes their absence at Davos, where the signing occurred, highlighting fractures in Western unity. Reuters reports Trump invited dozens of world leaders, but many held back, fearing it could harm UN efforts (Reuters).

This snub comes amid criticisms that the board positions Trump as a de facto global arbiter. The New York Times outlines invitations to numerous countries, with detractors arguing it sidelines the UN (The New York Times). Reactions from Gaza and Beyond

In Gaza, responses mix skepticism and cautious hope. Al Jazeera captured local sentiments ahead of the launch, with residents watching developments closely. Posts on X reflect divided opinions, from praise for Trump’s pressure tactics to accusations of it being a ‘carve-up’ of Gaza led by figures like Blair.

Supporters, including voices on X like Rapid Response 47, credit Trump for breakthroughs, referencing past Hamas responses to his proposals. Critics, such as Howard Beckett on X, decry it as outside UN authority. Evolving Ambitions Test Alliances

Originally Gaza-focused due to what some outlets term Israeli actions, the board now eyes global conflicts, per Al Jazeera’s live coverage. This expansion alarms diplomats, as Reuters details, potentially reshaping international diplomacy. Trump’s Davos appearance, TIME reports, introduced the group amid applause from allies.

The initiative builds on earlier peace efforts, with X posts noting Hamas’s past approvals under Trump pressure. Yet, as the board operationalizes, questions persist on funding, enforcement, and inclusivity. Diplomatic Ramifications Unfold

With the signing complete, attention shifts to implementation. CNBC identifies who’s in and out, warning of coalition fragility. Al Jazeera previews challenges, including ongoing violence killing Palestinians during the event.

Industry insiders view this as a bold pivot from UN-centric models, potentially accelerating deals but risking isolation of non-participants. As Trump pushes forward, the board’s success hinges on bridging divides evident at Davos. Path Forward Amid Tensions

Founding members now face the task of drafting actionable plans for Gaza amid real-time hostilities. White House backing underscores U.S. commitment, but global buy-in remains tentative. Observers on X and in media like the New York Times stress the high stakes for Trump’s foreign policy legacy.