Trump outlines ‘Board of Peace’ and ‘New Gaza’ initiatives at Davos

US President Donald Trump returned home from Davos on Thursday after unveiling his proposed Board of Peace, once again portraying himself as a global peacemaker despite widespread scepticism over a sweeping plan that critics say seeks to reshape the international order.

At the World Economic Forum ceremony, Trump administration officials also outlined ambitious plans for a so-called “New Gaza,” with Trump controversially referring to the war-ravaged Palestinian territory as “great real estate.”

Trump later met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, with both leaders describing their discussions as positive. The US president said Russia’s nearly four-year-old war against Ukraine “has to end,” while announcing plans for forthcoming “trilateral” talks involving Washington, Moscow and Kyiv.

Although Zelensky said he had reached agreement with Trump on post-war US security guarantees for Ukraine, he criticised European allies for what he described as slow action against Russian President Vladimir Putin. “What’s missing: time or political will?” he asked.

Trump said the Board of Peace was formed after repeated frustrations over failing to win the Nobel Peace Prize and amid growing criticism of the United Nations for its inability to resolve major global conflicts.

Calling the initiative “exciting,” Trump signed the board’s founding charter alongside leaders and officials from 19 countries at the Swiss resort, declaring it could become “one of the most consequential bodies ever created.”

Initially conceived to oversee a Gaza truce and post-war reconstruction following the Hamas-Israel conflict, the board’s mandate has since expanded to address a wide range of international disputes—raising concerns that it could function as a rival to the UN. Key US allies, including France and Britain, have expressed reservations.

Permanent membership reportedly requires a $1 billion contribution, while the invitation extended to Russian President Vladimir Putin—whose forces invaded Ukraine in 2022—has drawn controversy.

During the event, Trump said the board would operate “in conjunction” with the United Nations. Much of the ceremony focused on Gaza’s future, including a video message from the territory’s newly appointed administrator announcing the reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt next week.

Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner presented what he described as a “master plan” for Gaza’s reconstruction, featuring maps of new developments and artist impressions of beachfront hotels and apartments under the banner “New Gaza.” Kushner described the vision as a place of “hope” and a future destination.

Trump warned Hamas to disarm during the next phase of the ceasefire or face “the end,” while also saying he was open to talks with Iran.

Participants on stage included close populist allies such as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Argentine President Javier Milei, as well as representatives from several Middle Eastern monarchies. Trump said he expected around 50 countries to join the board, though full membership details remain unclear.

Trump claimed Putin had agreed to participate, though the Russian leader said he was still reviewing the invitation. Zelensky has also been invited but said he could not envision working alongside Putin.

Zelensky told the forum that draft documents with Washington aimed at ending the war were “nearly ready,” describing his meeting with Trump as positive but acknowledging that discussions with the US president were “not simple.”

He also warned that Trump’s recent push to acquire Greenland—an issue that dominated earlier Davos discussions—risked diverting attention from Russia’s invasion. Tensions eased after Trump announced a framework for future talks over the Danish territory and withdrew threats of new tariffs on European allies.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the island sought a “peaceful dialogue” with Washington and intended to remain part of Denmark for the time being.