President Trump has unveiled ‘Board of Peace’ at Davos and floated ‘New Gaza’ Plan.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Former US President Donald Trump on Thursday wrapped up his appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, after unveiling a controversial new initiative dubbed the “Board of Peace,” once again portraying himself as a global peacemaker despite widespread scepticism over the plan.
During the high-profile ceremony, Trump and his officials also presented ambitious proposals for a post-war reconstruction of Gaza, branding the devastated Palestinian territory as “great real estate” and unveiling a vision they described as “New Gaza.”
On the sidelines of the forum, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with both leaders describing the talks as productive. Trump reiterated that Russia’s nearly four-year war with Ukraine “has to end,” while Zelensky announced that trilateral discussions involving Washington, Moscow and Kyiv were expected in the coming days.
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Zelensky said he had reached an understanding with Trump on post-war US security guarantees for Ukraine, though he admitted that discussions with the former US president were “not simple.” He also criticised European allies for what he described as a slow response to Russian aggression, asking whether the problem was a lack of time or political will.
‘Board of Peace’ Initiative
Trump said the “Board of Peace,” which he chairs, was created out of frustration with what he described as the failure of the United Nations to resolve global conflicts. Joined on stage by representatives from 19 countries, Trump signed the board’s founding charter, describing it as potentially “one of the most consequential bodies ever created.”
Originally conceived to oversee a Gaza truce and post-war reconstruction, the board’s mandate has since expanded to addressing multiple international conflicts, raising concerns among critics that it could evolve into a rival global body to the UN. Some key US allies, including France and Britain, have expressed reservations, particularly over reports that permanent membership would cost participating countries $1 billion.
The reported invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose country invaded Ukraine in 2022, also drew criticism, although Trump said the board would work “in conjunction” with the United Nations.
‘New Gaza’ Vision
A significant portion of the event focused on Gaza, with its newly appointed administrator announcing that the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza would reopen next week. Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, presented slides outlining a “master plan” for Gaza’s reconstruction, including new settlements and luxury seafront developments.
Kushner described the proposal as an opportunity for renewal, while Trump warned Hamas to disarm during the next phase of the ceasefire or face severe consequences. Trump also said he was open to talks with Iran.
Global Reactions
The Davos ceremony featured several of Trump’s populist allies, including Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Argentina’s President Javier Milei, alongside officials from Middle Eastern monarchies. Trump said he expected around 50 countries to eventually join the initiative.
Zelensky, while invited, said he could not envision working alongside Putin. He also expressed concern that Trump’s recent focus on Greenland could distract from efforts to end the Ukraine war, though tensions eased after Trump announced a framework for future talks with Denmark and stepped back from tariff threats.
Global markets reacted positively to Trump’s shift on Greenland, but European leaders meeting in Brussels continued to express concern over potential long-term damage to transatlantic relations.
