Pakistan has formally joined U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly launched Board of Peace, signing its founding charter at the World Economic Forum in Davos alongside leaders and officials from 18 other countries.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the document during a ceremony chaired by Trump, who described the group as a collection of influential leaders brought together to pursue lasting peace, beginning with post-war Gaza. Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani also took part in the signing.
Although initially framed as a mechanism to oversee peace and reconstruction in Gaza following the war between Hamas and Israel, the board’s charter outlines a broader mandate to address global conflicts. That expanded vision has raised concerns among diplomats that the body could emerge as a rival to the United Nations, a claim Trump rejected, saying the board would work “in conjunction” with the UN.
Nineteen countries signed on, many led by governments seen as politically aligned with Trump, including Hungary and Argentina, while traditional allies such as the United Kingdom and France declined to participate. Trump also confirmed he had invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to join, though Moscow has said it is still considering the offer.
The initiative has drawn criticism over its structure, including a requirement that permanent members contribute $1 billion, prompting accusations that the board resembles a “pay-to-play” version of the UN Security Council. Despite that, Trump insisted the focus remains on securing an enduring Gaza ceasefire, warning that Hamas must disarm under the next phase or face destruction.
The launch underscores Trump’s ambition to recast himself as a global peacemaker, even as scepticism grows over whether his Board of Peace will complement or complicate existing international diplomacy.