The proposal, first unveiled in September during Trump’s announcement of a plan to end the Gaza war, has since expanded in scope to include conflicts worldwide, drawing both interest and concern among global leaders.

According to a draft charter seen by officials, Trump will serve as the inaugural chairman of the Board of Peace, giving him broad executive authority over the body’s direction, decision-making and membership structure.

The charter outlines that member countries would typically serve three-year terms, though nations willing to contribute $1 billion toward the board’s funding would be eligible for permanent membership status.

The White House has named several prominent figures to the founding Executive Board, including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, former British prime minister Tony Blair and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Officials involved in the initiative say the board is intended to promote peace-building efforts in line with international law, although questions remain over its legal authority and relationship with existing global institutions.

Witkoff stated that up to 25 countries have already accepted invitations to join the Board of Peace, including several Middle Eastern allies of Washington such as Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt.

NATO members Turkey and Hungary have also agreed to participate, reflecting their leaders’ close personal ties with Trump and their willingness to engage with alternative diplomatic frameworks.

Other participating nations include Armenia and Azerbaijan, which reached a U.S.-brokered peace agreement last year after talks hosted at the White House.

More controversially, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has accepted the invitation, a move that signals a broader thaw in relations between Washington and Minsk despite longstanding Western criticism of Belarus’s human rights record.

Russia and China, both permanent veto-holding members of the U.N. Security Council, have not yet confirmed whether they will join, with diplomats suggesting caution due to concerns about undermining the United Nations.

Trump has dismissed suggestions that the Board of Peace is meant to replace the U.N., stating that the world body should continue its work while his initiative explores alternative pathways to conflict resolution.

Several close U.S. allies have either declined or expressed hesitation, with Norway and Sweden formally rejecting participation and Italy raising constitutional concerns about joining a board led by a single foreign leader.

France is expected to decline as well, prompting Trump to warn of potential trade retaliation, while Canada has agreed in principle but said further discussions are needed on the details.

Ukraine has said it is reviewing the invitation but expressed doubts about joining any forum that might include Russia, highlighting the political sensitivities surrounding the initiative.

As debate continues, diplomats and analysts remain divided over whether the Board of Peace represents a bold diplomatic experiment or a challenge to established international norms.

Senior U.S. officials underlined that diplomatic accords are central to restoring trust between regional partners. The message reflects Washington’s intent to preserve momentum generated by recent high-level peace initiatives.

Earlier this month, leaders from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda came together in Washington to sign a landmark peace understanding. The agreement was widely viewed as a hopeful step toward easing tensions in a conflict-affected region.

The accords were designed to reduce violence, protect civilians, and create space for political dialogue. International partners welcomed the signing as a demonstration of shared responsibility for regional stability.

Recent developments in eastern Congo, however, have prompted renewed diplomatic engagement. U.S. officials stressed that adherence to commitments is essential for maintaining credibility and progress.

The United States has positioned itself as a guarantor of dialogue, encouraging all parties to resolve differences through peaceful means. Officials emphasized that lasting peace depends on consistent actions matching signed promises.

At international forums, Washington has reaffirmed its support for Congo’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The focus remains on preventing escalation and ensuring that armed activity does not undermine diplomatic gains.

The situation in eastern Congo has long affected millions of civilians through displacement and insecurity. Peace agreements are seen as critical tools to reduce humanitarian suffering and promote recovery.

U.S. leaders highlighted that accountability mechanisms are part of strengthening peace frameworks. These measures aim to ensure transparency while reinforcing regional cooperation.

The peace process is also linked to broader development goals, including economic recovery and regional integration. Stability in eastern Congo is viewed as vital for trade, infrastructure growth, and cross-border collaboration.

Regional observers note that continued engagement from international partners can help de-escalate tensions. Constructive diplomacy is considered more effective than isolation in addressing complex security challenges.

The United States has expressed readiness to work with all stakeholders to keep dialogue alive. Officials stressed that cooperation, rather than confrontation, remains the preferred path forward.

African-led initiatives, supported by global partners, are central to sustaining peace efforts. The Washington accords are seen as complementary to regional mediation processes.

Despite challenges, diplomatic channels remain open, offering opportunities for recalibration and renewed trust. U.S. officials voiced optimism that commitments can still translate into tangible peace dividends.

The broader international community continues to watch developments closely. Many see this moment as a test of collective resolve to prioritize peace over prolonged conflict.

By reinforcing the importance of agreements and dialogue, the United States aims to help stabilize eastern Congo. The emphasis remains on diplomacy, cooperation, and long-term regional peace.