Davos, Switzerland – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan officially joined the newly launched Board of Peace, chaired by US President Donald Trump, during a high-level ceremony in Davos, Switzerland. The Board of Peace, a global initiative aimed at resolving international conflicts, was introduced at the World Economic Forum as a platform to address peace and stability efforts, initially focusing on Gaza.
Formation and Structure
The Board is structured around a Founding Executive Council of seven members, serving as the strategic authority to guide international peace initiatives. The council includes:
1. Tony Blair – Former British Prime Minister
2. Jared Kushner – Senior Advisor to the US President
3. Marco Rubio – US Secretary of State
4. Steve Witkoff – US Special Envoy for the Middle East
5. Marc Rowan – CEO, Apollo Global Management
6. Ajay Banga – President, World Bank Group
7. Robert Gabriel – US Deputy National Security Advisor
President Trump’s Key Statements
President Trump described the event as “a very exciting day, long in the making” and emphasized his personal commitment: “Something I really wanted to be here and do.” He highlighted Davos as the launch site: “I could think of no better place,” adding, “Everybody wants to be a part.”
On global affairs, Trump said:
“Today the world is a safer, richer and much more peaceful place than it was one year ago. We have peace in the Middle East — no one thought that was possible. We have stopped eight wars and put out all those fires.”
He spoke on the purpose and power of the Board:
“Once this board is completely formed, we can do pretty much whatever we want to do. It has the chance to be one of the most consequential bodies ever created.”
Regarding Gaza and Hamas:
“If Hamas doesn’t do what they promised they will do — I think they probably will — but they were born with rifles in their hands. They have to give up their weapons, and if they don’t do that — it is going to be the end of them.”
He also emphasized collaboration with the United Nations:
“The combination of the Board of Peace with the kind of people we have here, coupled with the United Nations, can be something very, very unique for the world.”
Charter Signing
The Board of Peace charter was signed by representatives from over 20 countries, including:
United States, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Turkey, Morocco, Indonesia, Jordan, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Armenia, Argentina, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Bulgaria, Hungary, Paraguay.
Countries that declined to participate included: United Kingdom, France, Norway, Sweden, and Slovenia.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif represented Pakistan at the ceremony and formally signed the charter. Trump also signed as lifelong chairman, alongside other founding members. He referred to the signatories as “all stars” and concluded:
“We’re going to have peace in the world. What we’re doing is so important.”
Event Overview
The ceremony marked the first public rollout of the Board of Peace. While not a negotiation forum, it positioned the initiative as a high-profile platform for international collaboration on peace and stability.
The formation of the Board has attracted global attention, highlighting both diplomatic ambition and controversy, particularly regarding the inclusion of Tony Blair and the involvement of Jared Kushner. Nevertheless, the initiative emphasizes broad participation, with President Trump asserting that the Board will operate in conjunction with the United Nations to address pressing international conflicts.
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