- Launch Event: US President Donald Trump signed the executive order establishing the ‘Board of Peace’ during a formal ceremony at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on 21 January 2026.
- Purpose and Focus: The board coordinates US-led diplomatic efforts to resolve global conflicts, with an initial emphasis on Middle East tensions involving Israel, Palestine, Iran, and Yemen.
- Key Attendees: Senior US officials including Vice President JD Vance joined international figures like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, UN representatives, and EU leaders.
- Structure and Funding: Comprises 12 members such as retired General James Mattis; allocated $500 million from State Department budgets for operations, with headquarters in Washington, DC.
- Next Steps: Quarterly reports to Congress mandated, inaugural virtual session held, and annual summits planned in Davos, Riyadh, and Washington.
Davos (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – 22 January 2026, US President Donald Trump launched the ‘Board of Peace’ initiative during a signing ceremony at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The board aims to address global conflicts, with initial focus on Middle East tensions. Senior administration officials and international leaders attended the event, marking a key diplomatic development early in Trump's second term.
US President Donald Trump presided over the official signing ceremony for the newly established ‘Board of Peace’ on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting. The ceremony took place on 21 January 2026 in Davos, Switzerland, drawing high-level participants from government, business, and diplomacy. Trump signed the executive order creating the board, which is tasked with coordinating US-led efforts to mediate ongoing international disputes.
The event occurred amid heightened global attention on peace processes, particularly in regions like the Middle East where conflicts persist. Witnesses reported a formal atmosphere, with Trump delivering brief remarks emphasising the board's role in fostering dialogue. The signing followed preparatory discussions held during the forum's opening sessions.
Ceremony Details and Key Participants
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The signing ceremony unfolded in a secured conference venue within the Davos Congress Centre. President Trump arrived at approximately 2:00 PM local time, accompanied by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State nominees. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended as a guest of honour, having recently met Trump at Mar-a-Lago events.
Other notable attendees included representatives from the United Nations, European Union foreign policy chief, and leaders from Gulf states. The ceremony lasted 45 minutes, featuring the presentation of the executive order document followed by Trump's signature using a commemorative pen. Official photographs were released showing Trump, Vance, and Netanyahu reviewing the document.
White House press secretary provided a pool report stating the board would comprise 12 members, including former diplomats, military advisors, and private sector experts. Initial appointees named during the event include retired General James Mattis and UN special envoy Nicholas Haysom. The board's headquarters will be established in Washington, DC, with field offices planned for Geneva and Jerusalem.
Executive Order Provisions
The executive order signed by Trump outlines the ‘Board of Peace’ mandate to develop strategies for de-escalation in active conflict zones. Provisions specify quarterly reports to Congress on progress in negotiations involving Israel, Palestine, Iran, and Yemen. Funding allocation of $500 million from existing State Department budgets supports the board's operations for the first year.
The document mandates collaboration with NATO allies and regional partners, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. It also calls for annual summits hosted rotationally in Davos, Riyadh, and Washington. Trump stated during the signing,
"This board will bring real peace, not endless talks,"
according to verbatim transcripts released by the White House.
Supporting details in the order reference recent US actions, such as the withdrawal of National Guard from certain urban areas to redirect resources towards international priorities. No new military commitments were announced, focusing instead on diplomatic tracks.
Context within World Economic Forum
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The Davos signing aligned with the 2026 World Economic Forum theme of "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age." Forum organisers described the event as a highlight, integrating geopolitical panels with the ceremony. Earlier sessions featured discussions on Middle East stability, where Trump participated virtually before arriving in person.
Global media outlets reported live from the venue, with Reuters and BBC correspondents noting the symbolic timing post-inauguration. The forum's attendance exceeded 2,500 leaders, providing a platform for immediate follow-up meetings. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen extended formal congratulations via statement, affirming Europe's readiness to engage.
Security measures were elevated, with Swiss authorities deploying additional forces around the Congress Centre. No incidents were reported, ensuring smooth proceedings.
International Reactions and Statements
Immediate responses from world leaders underscored the board's potential impact. Netanyahu hailed the initiative as
"a bold step towards lasting security,"
per his office's readout. Iran's foreign ministry issued a cautious statement via state media, noting ongoing protests but offering no direct comment on the board.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the effort, urging inclusive participation from all conflict parties. China's foreign ministry spokesperson remarked during a Beijing briefing that Beijing would monitor developments closely. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's office confirmed London's support for multilateral peace mechanisms.
Regional outlets in the Gulf reported positively, with Al Arabiya airing extended coverage. Palestinian Authority spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh called for verification of commitments on settlement expansions.
Background on Trump Administration Priorities
Trump's second term, inaugurated on 20 January 2025, prioritises foreign policy resets following 2024 election pledges. Pre-Davos announcements included freezes on certain domestic funds to bolster international initiatives. The ‘Board of Peace’ builds on campaign promises for Middle East resolution without new wars.
Prior engagements, such as the Mar-a-Lago New Year's event with Netanyahu, set the stage for Davos. Administration officials had previewed the board in December 2025 briefings, linking it to broader deterrence strategies against Iran. No timelines for first negotiations were specified beyond the order's quarterly cadence.
The initiative emerges against ongoing Gaza humanitarian reports and West Bank incidents, though the board's scope extends to Europe and Asia-Pacific tensions. Davos provided the neutral venue for launch, leveraging the forum's diplomatic infrastructure.
Operational Framework and Next Steps
Following the signing, the board convened its inaugural virtual session overnight. Terms of reference include data-sharing protocols with intelligence agencies and NGO partners. Public website launch is scheduled within 30 days, hosting reports and member biographies.
Trump departed Davos post-ceremony for Washington, with Vance remaining for follow-on talks. Press briefings confirmed outreach to Russia and Ukraine mediators. The board's structure avoids statutory authority, positioning it as advisory to the National Security Council.
This development marks a structured US approach to peacemaking, with Davos cementing its role as a global convening hub. Further details on membership and agendas await official releases.