Which countries have rejected Trump’s Peace Board offer so far?
Several countries have declined or withheld a response to US President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace,” a new international body he wants to chair for life, over concerns about legality, structure and governance.
The board, according to draft documents, would initially focus on the Gaza conflict before expanding to address other global crises. Membership would normally last three years, but countries could secure permanent seats by paying $1 billion to fund the board’s activities.
Here are the countries that have rejected the proposal and invitation to join;
French President Emmanuel Macron has rejected Trump’s invitation to join the Board of Peace, his office confirmed on Monday. French officials said the decision was driven by concerns that the board’s powers would go far beyond transitional governance in Gaza and undermine the UN framework. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot pointed to the board’s charter, which refers to powers “in Gaza and elsewhere,” and warned that the authority granted to the chair was excessive. Under the proposal, Trump would be able to approve members, veto decisions taken by a majority and even choose his own successor. “This is very, very far from the Charter of the United Nations,” Barrot is quoted.
Norway
Norway has also formally declined Trump’s invitation. The prime minister’s office said the proposal raised serious legal and political questions and would require deeper dialogue. Oslo confirmed it would not join the Peace Board or attend the signing ceremony in Davos, citing concerns that the initiative runs counter to established international frameworks. Norwegian State Secretary Kristoffer Thoner said the US proposal required closer scrutiny, particularly in relation to existing international frameworks. “The American proposal raises a number of questions that require further dialogue with the United States,” Thoner said.
Sweden
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said Sweden would not participate in the Peace Board “with the text submitted so far.” Speaking in Davos, he indicated that the current proposal does not meet Sweden’s standards for international cooperation and governance.
Italy
Italy has also opted out of joining the Board of Peace. Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported that Rome would not join the initiative, citing concerns that participation in a body led by the president of a single country could violate Italy’s constitution. The Italian government has not publicly disputed the report.
Countries yet to respond
China has not issued any official confirmation or rejection of Trump’s invitation. Beijing’s position remains unclear as the initiative continues to evolve.
India
India has also not publicly responded to the invitation. New Delhi has so far avoided commenting on whether it will join or reject the proposed board.
Russia
Russia, despite its ongoing war with Ukraine has been invited by the US to be a member of the Peace Board. Addressing reporters Dmitry Peskov, presidential spokesman said: “President Putin also received through diplomatic channels an invitation to join this Board of Peace.” He added that Russia was reviewing the invitation and “hoping to get more details from the US side.”
Meanwhile, UN officials have stressed that there is only one universal body with global legitimacy in this area.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
