US-led Board of Peace to Host First Meeting on February 19
The US government confirmed on Saturday that it would hold its first leaders’ meeting under the Board of Peace, a board co-founded by President Donald Trump. The official statement provided no further details but noted that the gathering was also being marketed as a fundraising conference for Gaza’s reconstruction.
First reported by Axios, this meeting marks a significant step in the US leader’s ambitious plans to address global conflicts without relying on established international organizations like the United Nations. At least one world leader has already confirmed his attendance: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a frequent Trump ally in Europe, is expected to attend the event.
The Board of Peace’s first meeting is scheduled for February 19th at the US Institute of Peace in Washington D.C., according to Axios’ reporting. The involvement of prominent world figures underscores the board’s ambitions to bridge traditional geopolitical divides and inject new dynamics into conflict resolution efforts.
While some US allies have shown support, many longstanding Western partners remain cautious about joining this initiative. Trump has faced criticism from international experts for proposing a mechanism that might weaken established institutions in favor of his own leadership structure.
The Board of Peace’s proposed oversight over Gaza under the Trump administration has been met with significant skepticism. Under the board’s plan, Israel and Hamas agreed to an interim ceasefire in October 2021, which has since repeatedly fallen apart due to ongoing violations by both sides. The fragile situation has led to substantial casualties on both Israeli and Palestinian fronts.
This raises further questions about the feasibility of such a high-level board without addressing fundamental issues like the inclusion of all relevant stakeholders, including Palestinians. Critics argue that Trump’s vision for this board resembles an imperial structure, potentially undermining stability in Gaza and beyond.
As the Board of Peace moves closer to its inaugural meeting, analysts are closely watching how other world leaders will respond—particularly those who have traditionally been hesitant to align with what they view as a unilateral approach to international conflict resolution.