US President Donald Trump's administration has invited countries to join the Board of Peace, an international organisation focused on promoting stability and restoring governance in conflict-affected areas. The board's charter, as reviewed by AFP, allows nations to secure a permanent membership by contributing over $1 billion in cash within the first year. Originally intended to oversee Gaza's rebuilding, the charter does not restrict its scope to that region alone.

The organisation will undertake peace-building functions in line with international law. Trump will chair the board, retaining authority to create or dissolve subsidiary entities as needed. A US official confirmed that Trump could continue as chairman even after his White House term ends, unless he resigns.

Structure and Leadership of the Board

The Board of Peace features an executive board chaired by Trump, comprising seven members including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special negotiator Steve Witkoff, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, US financier Marc Rowan, World Bank President Ajay Banga, and National Security Council aide Robert Gabriel. These individuals are described in the charter as leaders of global stature, serving two-year terms subject to removal by the chairman.

Membership requires an invitation from the US president, with states represented by their heads of state or government. Standard terms last up to three years, but the $1 billion contribution exempts donors from this limit. According to a US official cited by AFP, membership carries no mandatory funding beyond voluntary contributions. The board will hold annual meetings, with decisions made by majority vote and the chairman resolving ties. It becomes operational once three states consent to join.

International Responses to the Invitation

Several nations have accepted invitations to the Board of Peace. Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, and the United Arab Emirates have confirmed participation. Canada also plans to join but has explicitly declined to pay the $1 billion for permanent status.

Others have declined or expressed concerns. France has indicated it will not participate, prompting Trump to threaten high tariffs on French wine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted it would be "very hard" to join alongside Russia, whose President Vladimir Putin was also invited amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Britain voiced concern over Putin's inclusion, with a Downing Street spokesperson stating, "Putin is the aggressor in an illegal war against Ukraine, and he has shown time and time again he is not serious about peace," according to AFP. China, another invitee, affirmed its commitment to the UN-centred international system but did not confirm participation. No responses were detailed from other invited parties as of the charter's release.