The US-led Board of Peace, initiated by President Donald Trump, will hold its first meeting of global leaders on February 19 at the US Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., officials confirmed. The gathering is expected to address international conflict resolution and serve as a fundraising conference for Gaza’s reconstruction. Participation from key world figures is anticipated, highlighting the initiative’s ambition to influence global diplomacy in the coming months.
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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of Trump within the European Union, has confirmed his attendance at the inaugural meeting. His participation signals early support from select international leaders, while several traditional Western allies remain cautious about joining the board. The meeting could set the tone for broader engagement and influence in global conflict management under Trump’s leadership.
The board, which Trump will chair, aims to tackle international disputes and oversee stabilization efforts in conflict zones, including Gaza. A UN Security Council resolution authorized the board to establish an international stabilization force, monitoring the fragile ceasefire signed by Israel and Hamas last October. This step reflects the board’s growing involvement in high-stakes diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives.
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Permanent membership on the Board of Peace requires a $1 billion contribution, limiting participation to countries willing to commit significant resources. Some Middle Eastern allies have joined, while many traditional Western partners have yet to commit. Critics have voiced concerns that Trump’s board could bypass existing multilateral institutions and replicate colonial-style oversight in fragile regions, drawing international scrutiny.
The Gaza ceasefire, which the board is partly tasked with supervising, has been repeatedly violated, resulting in over 550 Palestinian and four Israeli deaths since October. Human rights observers have criticized the board for not including Palestinian representation in its leadership structure, raising questions about fairness and legitimacy. These ongoing challenges emphasize the difficulty of implementing effective governance and peace supervision.
Despite criticism, the Board of Peace remains a high-profile initiative with potential global implications. Trump and participating leaders are expected to discuss not only Gaza’s recovery but also mechanisms for broader international conflict resolution. The February 19 meeting will be closely watched by governments, analysts, and civil society organizations worldwide.