Share this @internewscast.com


A Donald Trump-led organisation that seeks to facilitate peace in the Middle East and beyond could, in fact, do the opposite and cause damage to the international order, experts warn.
Trump has invited world leaders to join his so-called ‘Board of Peace’, an entity that started with a mandate to oversee the administration and reconstruction of Gaza, but has quickly ballooned in its planned remit.
Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas signed off on Trump’s plan, which says a Palestinian technocratic administration will be overseen by an international board, which will supervise Gaza’s governance for a transitional period.
Diplomats have said the plan risks undermining existing United Nations structures, with reports that permanent seats could be bought for a billion dollars, according to media reports.
Hugh Lovatt, a senior policy fellow with the Middle East and North Africa Program at the European Council on Foreign Relations, said officials around the world have been privately concerned the Board of Peace is a “Trumpian effort to replace the United Nations”.
“Those concerns are indeed borne out by virtue of the sheer number of UN members that are now invited to this Board of Peace,” he told ABC radio on Tuesday morning.

Former President Donald Trump appears to have ambitious plans for his proposed “Board of Peace,” envisioning it as a key player in resolving international conflicts, including those in Ukraine, Venezuela, and Iran, according to recent statements.

A diverse group of nations has been extended invitations to join as founding members of this initiative. The list includes Albania, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Cyprus, Egypt, Hungary, India, Italy, Jordan, New Zealand, Pakistan, Paraguay, Türkiye, and Vietnam.

“These are the types of countries that seem to be drawn to Trump’s Board of Peace,” one observer noted, highlighting the varied geopolitical landscapes represented.

Speaking to reporters earlier this month, Trump boasted the board’s membership would bring together the “most important leaders of the most important nations”. Reuters reports invites have been extended to 60 nations.
As of Tuesday, only a few countries had accepted a place on the board, including Argentina and Hungary, which Lovatt described as “right-wing leaning” countries that have ideological similarities to Trump.

Despite the enthusiasm surrounding the initiative, there is ongoing concern regarding the lack of a definitive timeline to resolve the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and uphold Palestinian self-determination rights.

While financial investment in peace processes is crucial, experts emphasize the continued necessity of organizations like the United Nations to ensure the implementation of comprehensive humanitarian strategies.

Amra Lee, a PhD researcher and practitioner with the Australian National University’s Department of International Relations, told SBS News nothing about the board suggests it can foster “durable peace” in the Middle East.

The draft charter of the Board of Peace suggests that member states contributing over $1 billion in financial support during the inaugural year will be eligible for permanent membership status, reflecting the initiative’s funding-driven approach.

The occupation is considered illegal under international law. Israel says the territories are disputed.
Lee flagged that the board’s list of members, which includes politicians and billionaires, does not include people from the areas it looks to create peace, such as Palestinians or Iranians.
“The evidence shows durable peace is supported by inclusive processes with the parties involved, it is not something that can be imposed by external actors,” she said.

She said while investing money in peace processes is important, organisations such as the UN are needed to ensure proper humanitarian processes.

“This initiative appears to be part of a wider agenda to undermine the role of the UN and international law,” she said.
“The loudest critics of the UN are often those that prefer a world with no rules or order to constrain their behaviour.”
Endorsing the body could risk delegitimising the UN in the process, she added.
Lovatt said that even if the Board of Peace were to be dissolved at the end of Trump’s presidency, it could do lasting damage to the international order.
“Trump is trying to reengineer the global order,” he said.
“There are many reasons to believe he will not be successful, but I think the risk is not so much that Trump’s success in replacing the UN, but in the damage that he does to the current international order … it may be irreparably damaged.”
A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Guterres “believes Member States are free to associate in different groups” in response to a question about the draft US charter for a Board of Peace.

Where will the money come from?

If the Board of Peace gains traction, it will raise questions around how it is funded.

According to the draft charter, member states that pay more than US$1 billion ($1.5 billion) in “cash funds” to the board within its first year can become permanent members of the body.

The White House named some individuals who will sit on the board, which would outlive its role supervising the temporary governance of Gaza, under a fragile ceasefire since October.
They included US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British prime minister Tony Blair and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.
It also named a separate, 11-member “Gaza Executive Board” to support the technocratic body including officials from Turkey and Qatar.
Lovatt said poorer countries that have been invited, such as Argentina, may not be expected to pay this fee, putting the cost instead on wealthy individuals within the group.
“We should look to those billionaires who are on the executive board,” he said.
“And I think this is the danger. It’s mixing countries and states with private business. And I think that is a huge risk at that point for nepotism and corruption to take hold.”
Lee agreed that the funding model behind the Trump-led board would create further issues for peace resolution processes.
With additional reporting from Reuters.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Iran Threatens Gulf Energy Sites Amid Escalating Tensions Over Israeli Strikes on Pars Gas Field

In Brief South Pars supplies around 80 per cent of Iran’s gas,…
'Fatal miscalculation': Iran's chilling vow over gas field strike

Iran’s Ominous Pledge: Unveiling the Consequences of the Gas Field Assault

Iran has vowed to retaliate following what its state media claims was…
Janet Taylor Easton, 67, was killed alongside her cousin Alison Taylor from New Zealand , also 67, in South Luangwa National Park on July 3 last year. Pictured: Alison Taylor

British Teacher and Kiwi Cousin, Both 67, Tragically Killed by Charging Elephant During Zambia Walking Safari, Inquest Reveals

In a tragic incident during a safari in Zambia, a retired British…
Long queues for petrol at a Sydney service station.

Albo Faces Critical Decisions: Navigating Complex Challenges Today

The prime minister will talk to state premiers and chief ministers today…
Iran hits back at multiple Gulf refineries after Israeli strike on its offshore gas field

Iran Retaliates Against Gulf Refineries Following Israeli Attack on Offshore Gas Field

Iran has intensified its attacks on its Gulf Arab neighbours’ energy sites,…

From Reality TV to Glamorous Lifestyle: Why My Life Sparks Envy

Have you ever used flirting as a tactic to make your partner…
The entrance to the Qantas lounge in London.

Jetstar Passengers Face New Restrictions: Qantas Lounge Access Revoked Under Updated Policy

Some Jetstar travellers will be booted from Qantas lounges under new rules…
Homicide squad investigates woman's death in Perth home

Homicide Squad Probes Mysterious Death of Woman in Perth Residence

Homicide squad detectives have swarmed a street in suburban Perth where a…
Legionnaires' disease

Critical Health Alert: Severe Respiratory Illness Spreads in Melbourne

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer (CHO) has issued an urgent health warning following…

Australia’s Petrol Prices: Where They Stand in the Global Market Rankings

Global attention is riveted on rising fuel costs as conflict in the…
David Jones' average overdue payments to suppliers were 16 days - more than double the industry average, according to a new report by a commercial credit agency

Concerns Arise Over Future of Iconic Australian Business Amidst Noteworthy Repayment Delays

Concerns are mounting over the future of one of Australia’s historic retail…
Rohan Dennis arrives at Adelaide Magistrates Court in March 2024.

Ex-Olympic Cyclist Faces Backlash Over Controversial Post Following Wife’s Tragic Death

A prominent advocate for victims’ rights has criticized a recent social media…