US President Donald Trump’s administration has asked countries to pay $1 billion for a permanent seat on a proposed “Board of Peace,” according to US media reports. The White House has invited several world leaders to join the body, which Trump would chair, including Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Hungary’s Viktor Orban and Canada’s Mark Carney.
According to Bloomberg, member states would initially serve three-year terms. However, countries contributing more than $1 billion in cash during the first year could extend their membership beyond that limit. The draft charter states that renewal would remain subject to the chairman’s approval, giving Trump broad authority over participation.
Mandate extends beyond Gaza reconstruction
Initially, officials conceived the board to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction after the war. However, its charter does not restrict its mandate to the Palestinian territory. Instead, it outlines a wider role in addressing conflicts worldwide. The White House has proposed a main board, a Palestinian technocratic committee to manage Gaza, and a separate executive group designed to play an advisory role.
The charter describes the organisation as one seeking to promote stability, restore lawful governance, and secure lasting peace in conflict-affected regions. Meanwhile, US media report that the document criticises existing global institutions, arguing they have repeatedly failed to deliver effective solutions.
The proposal follows Trump’s long-standing criticism of the United Nations. Earlier this month, he announced plans for the United States to withdraw from dozens of international organisations and treaties, many linked to the UN.
Furthermore, the draft limits membership to states invited by the chairman. Trump would also retain power to remove members, subject to a two-thirds veto, and to select his successor. Israel has already raised objections to the proposed Gaza executive lineup.
