Dozens of world leaders and national delegations are set to gather in Washington DC for the first meeting of Donald Trump’s Board of Peace.
However, the summit has opened under a cloud of scepticism as key European allies refuse to take part in it with fears that there is a problem over the board’s funding structure and political mandate.
Concerns About Legitimacy and Mandate
The White House has called the meeting part diplomatic and part fund-raising effort. Trump said that countries have pledged over $5bn for rebuilding Gaza, as well as personnel to form an International Stabilisation Force and local policing.
Yet critics say promises are not pledges, and critical issues, such as how it is to be governed, whether it is secure and whether it can handle the humanitarian problems in Gaza, remain unresolved.
The board, which initially concentrated on the building of Gaza, has since added the scope of resolving other world conflicts.
Critics worry it has the potential to sideline well-established international institutions (most noticeably, the United Nations), and to potentially enable Trump to maintain influence even after his presidency.
Europe Steps Back
Ursula von der Leyen (President of European Commission) refused her invitation and so did leaders of the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, they refused to join it.
Canada’s Mark Carney was disinvited after criticising Trump in Davos.
The Vatican also turned its back on participating, with Cardinal Pietro Parolin emphasising that global crises should be tackled mostly by the United Nations.
Middle Eastern Participation and Political Calculations
Despite European resistance, there will be delegations from Israel, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan and Qatar.
Some countries are seen to be trying to buy favour with the Trump administration, notably as a permanent seat on the board is tied to a $1bn donation, it is said.
Israel’s Prime Minister Bennett Netanyahu skips the meeting and sends Foreign Minister Gideon Saar instead.
On the ground, developments still remain limited. Aid into Gaza is limited, administrative bodies are unclear, and plans for an international stabilisation force seem stalled and strengthen doubts about the board’s impact.
Also read: Pakistan to attend first Gaza Board of Peace meeting
