New Zealand will not join Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace,” with the country’s foreign minister calling for greater clarity regarding the US president’s proposal. The board, initially envisioned as a small group of world leaders overseeing Gaza’s future, has expanded in ambition to potentially mediate worldwide conflicts and, some observers say, eclipse the United Nations Security Council.
What about Australia?
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has remained noncommittal on whether he will accept or reject Mr. Trump’s invitation. He stated on the ABC’s Insiders program that the board’s objectives are unclear, prompting further consideration. He emphasized Australia’s longstanding support for multilateralism and its founding membership in the United Nations.
When questioned again on Friday, Mr. Albanese indicated he had been focused on domestic issues, while acknowledging Australia’s strong security relationships with the United States through AUKUS and the Quad.
What does the UN say?
Mr. Trump’s broadened mandate for the Board of Peace and suggestion it could replace the UN have been met with skepticism from major players and UN officials. Secretary General Antonio Guterres affirmed that the primary responsibility for international peace and security rests with the UN Security Council.
- Only the Security Council can adopt binding decisions on peace and security.
- The UN Security Council mandated the Board of Peace, but only until 2027 and solely focused on Gaza.
- Mr. Guterres stated that “global problems will not be solved by one power calling the shots.”
Russia and China abstained from the UN resolution, citing concerns about the UN’s role in Gaza’s future.
Which countries have said yes?
Over 25 countries have accepted Mr. Trump’s invitation, including Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. These eight Muslim nations issued a joint statement supporting the board’s mission in Gaza and the advancement of Palestinian statehood, but did not mention Mr. Trump’s broader global peacemaking plan.
Which countries have not joined?
Approximately 60 invitations were issued, though Canada’s was revoked after Prime Minister Mark Carney stated the importance of smaller nations acting together. New Zealand, along with the United Kingdom, France, Ireland, and Germany, have also declined the invitation.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently reaffirmed the UK’s support for the UN and the international rules-based system before declining the invitation. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed concerns that the board went beyond the scope of Gaza and questioned the principles of the United Nations.
Russia, China, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Brazil are also yet to signal their intentions.
How will the Board of Peace work?
Countries seeking permanent membership on the Board of Peace must contribute $US1 billion ($1.4 billion) to a fund controlled by Mr. Trump. The board’s charter grants Mr. Trump leadership until his resignation, with veto power over its actions and membership.
Decisions will be made by majority vote, subject to the chair’s veto. Jared Kushner and former British prime minister Tony Blair are among the announced executive board members. Marco Rubio, Mr. Trump’s secretary of state, has attempted to alleviate concerns by stating the board’s current focus is solely on the next phases of the Gaza ceasefire plan, and is not intended to replace the UN.
ABC/wires
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