Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday signed the charter establishing the “Board of Peace,” an initiative spearheaded by United States President Donald Trump, during a session at the Davos meeting in Switzerland.
Originally proposed as a mechanism to address Israel’s war on Gaza, the initiative’s founding charter outlines a broader mandate that extends beyond the occupied Palestinian territories.
World leaders are signing the charter sequentially during a session chaired by President Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.
Announcing the launch of the Board of Peace, Trump said the forum would initially focus on reinforcing the fragile ceasefire in Gaza but could eventually take on a wider global role. He added that the board would operate in coordination with the United Nations.
“Once this board is completely formed, we can do pretty much whatever we want to do and we’ll do it in conjunction with the United Nations,” Trump said, noting that the UN’s potential had not been fully utilised.
Trump, who will chair the board, invited dozens of world leaders to participate, saying the forum should address global challenges beyond the Gaza truce. His remarks, however, have raised concerns among some governments that the initiative could encroach on the UN’s traditional role in diplomacy and conflict resolution.
Several major global powers and longstanding US allies have been hesitant to join. Trump has proposed that permanent members contribute $1 billion each to fund the initiative, prompting cautious responses or outright refusals from some capitals.
Representatives from countries identified as founding members were present during the session, though Reuters reported it did not observe delegates from other major powers, nor from Israel or the Palestinian Authority.
The signing ceremony took place in Davos during the annual World Economic Forum, which brings together global political and business leaders.
