The Board of Peace held its first meeting on 19th Feb 2026 to discuss the reconstruction of Gaza. India, which was one of the invitee to join the Board as a member, decided to attend the meeting an an “observer”.
What is Board of Peace?
- The Board of Peace (BoP), also known as the Peace Board, is a newly established international organization created by U.S. President Donald Trump in 2026.
- The board is named in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2803 as a body tasked with overseeing the processes of the Gaza peace plan. It oversees the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) and the International Stabilization Force (ISF).
- Its charter grants it a broader mandate to promote stability, peace, and governance in “areas affected or threatened by conflict” worldwide, raising questions about its global role.
- The Board of Peace was proposed in September 2025 and formally established on the side-lines of the 56th World Economic Forum in January 2026.
- Participating countries are required to contribute US$1 billion to the organization to renew membership after the first three years.
- As of 2026, 25 of the 62 invited countries have signed the board’s charter. 22 Countries took part in the first meeting as “Observers” – which include India, U.K. Germany, and Switzerland.
- The Board’s members include major West Asia countries such as Israel, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, as well as countries like Argentina, Hungary, Vietnam, Cambodia & Pakistan.
What is the Structure of the Board of Peace?
- Chairman = Donald Trump, designated as chairman for life
- He has indefinite tenure and exclusive authority to invite members, appoint or remove board officials, create or dissolve bodies, and approve or veto decisions.
- He also designates his own successor.
- Board Proper (General Assembly):
- Composed of national leaders or designated senior officials from invited member states.
- This is the highest representative body of the organization.
- Board of Peace Executive Board:
- A smaller strategic committee tasked with driving policy decisions and operational strategy.
- Members are appointed by the Chairman. Seven members were appointed by Trump.
- Gaza Executive Board:
- Focuses on the Board’s mission related to the Gaza Strip.
- Oversees implementation of the transitional governance arrangements under the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).
Why is the establishment of the Board of Peace important?
- Focus on Peace in Gaza: The Board specifically targets the delicate situation in Gaza, aiming to address the long-standing conflicts and promote peace initiatives in a region that has experienced prolonged violence.
- International Representation: By involving multiple countries in its governance, the Board seeks to create a platform for diverse voices. This diversity can lead to more comprehensive and multifaceted peace solutions that address the concerns of multiple parties.
- Bypassing Deadlock: The BoP is designed to move faster than the UN Security Council. By operating as a “coalition of the willing,” it avoids the veto-driven paralysis often seen in UNSC.
- Structured Dialogue: The Board provides a formal platform for dialogue among member states, including those directly involved in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This structured approach encourages communication and negotiations, which are vital for resolving misunderstandings and building trust.
- Massive Investment: The Board has secured over $17 billion in pledges (including $10 billion from the U.S.). The economic prosperity that the BoP aims to bring with the help of — jobs, tourism, and modern infrastructure—will make radicalization less attractive.
- Long-Term Peace Plan: The Board’s establishment signals a commitment to long-term strategies rather than short-term fixes. This approach includes socio-economic development plans to address underlying issues contributing to conflict.
What are some of the criticisms against the Board of Peace?
- The “Pay-to-Play” Membership Model: The requirement for member states to contribute substantial financial resources (US $1 billion) to secure a permanent seat on the Board raises concerns about whether decision-making influence is determined by financial contributions. This might lead to a hierarchy where wealthier nations have more sway, potentially sidelining less affluent but equally important voices.
- Concentration of Personal Power: The Charter names Donald Trump as the permanent Chairman with absolute veto power. The Chairman has the power to unilaterally invite or remove members and appoint his own successor. The concentration of power in the hands of Trump has led to apprehension about the decision-making process. Critics argue that this centralization could stifle diverse opinions and inclusive debate.
- Sidelining the United Nations: The Board of Peace is widely perceived as a direct challenge to the authority of the United Nations and the established multilateral system. The President Trump has even suggested that the Board could eventually replace the world body. By sidelining the UN, the Board not only diminishes the collective engagement and the legitimacy of peace efforts, it also undermines established norms and frameworks for addressing global conflicts, particularly those involving state sovereignty and human rights.
- Lack of Local (Palestinian) Representation: While the Board oversees the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG), there are no Palestinians on the actual Board of Peace that makes the high-level decisions. Without an authentic voice from the Palestinian community, any peace initiatives lack legitimacy and are less likely to succeed.
- Skepticism from Key Nations: Many countries, including major Western powers like France, Germany, U.K. and traditional U.S. allies, have expressed skepticism about the Board’s intentions and effectiveness. Their reluctance to join or actively participate might hinder its credibility and influence.
Why has India chosen to attend the Board of Peace meeting in an observer capacity rather than as a full member?
- Avoiding the Veto: Joining the BoP as a full member would mean accepting the Chairman’s absolute veto power. As an observer, India can support the Gaza Peace Plan (which is backed by UN Resolution 2803) without endorsing the BoP’s more controversial, centralized governance structure.
- Two-State Solution: India remains firm on its support for a “sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine.” Observer status allows India to support Gaza’s reconstruction without appearing to abandon its traditional diplomatic stance in favor of a US-centric “deal”.
- Economic Corridors: Stability in the Middle East is vital for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). India wants to be part of the conversation on regional stability without being tied to the BoP’s specific political or military commitments.
- Managing the Relationship with President Trump: Observer status acts as a middle ground. Refusing the invitation entirely could be seen as a slight to President Trump. It allows India to maintain its “eyes and ears” in a powerful new forum while avoiding the $1 billion “entry fee” and the binding political obligations of full membership.
- Monitoring the “India-Pakistan” Factor: A primary reason for India’s presence is that Pakistan is a full member of the Board. India is wary of any attempt by the BoP to internationalize the Kashmir issue or other bilateral disputes. By being in the room, India can directly monitor and counter any such narratives or mediation attempts that bypass its preference for bilateral resolution.
| UPSC GS-2: International Relations Read More: The Indian Express |
