Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday joined a group of world leaders in signing the founding charter of the US-led “Board of Peace,” an initiative unveiled by President Donald Trump as a new platform for resolving international conflicts.
The signing ceremony was held on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where leaders and senior officials from 19 countries — including Pakistan — appeared alongside Trump to formally launch the body. Initially envisioned to oversee post-war peace arrangements in Gaza following Israel’s two-year conflict with the enclave, the board’s charter outlines a broader mandate to address global disputes.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared the charter officially in force, confirming that the Board of Peace had become an international organisation. Trump, who will serve as the board’s chairman, praised the signatories, calling them friends and describing them as “mostly very popular leaders — and in some cases not so popular.”
“Almost every country wants to be part of this,” Trump said, adding that invitations had been sent out days earlier and that many leaders present were already in Davos. He described those gathered as “stars,” chosen for their ability to advance peace.
Following Trump’s address, participating leaders took turns signing the charter. The initiative has drawn criticism, however, over a requirement that permanent members contribute $1 billion, fuelling concerns that the board could evolve into a “pay-to-play” alternative to the UN Security Council.
Amid speculation that the new body could undermine the United Nations, Trump stressed that the Board of Peace would work “in conjunction” with the UN rather than compete with it.
Prime Minister Shehbaz was among the attendees after Pakistan formally accepted Trump’s invitation to join the board a day earlier. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also confirmed his presence in Davos for the signing ceremony.
Several key US allies have expressed reservations. France and the United Kingdom have voiced scepticism, with London opting not to attend the event.
Besides Pakistan, officials from Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Mongolia, Morocco, Paraguay, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan signed the charter.
The board’s proposed membership has proven controversial. Trump invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant over alleged war crimes in Gaza, as well as Russian President Vladimir Putin. Netanyahu has indicated Israel’s willingness to join but was absent from the ceremony, while Putin has said he is still considering the invitation.
During his speech, Trump warned Hamas to disarm under the Gaza ceasefire deal or face what he described as its “end,” reiterating US support for a demilitarised and rebuilt Gaza. He said the board, once fully established, would be able to act decisively alongside the UN, calling the partnership “unique for the world.”
Trump also claimed Iran was seeking talks with Washington and said the US was open to dialogue, while restating its opposition to Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and recalling US strikes on Iranian enrichment facilities in June 2025.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner also addressed the gathering. Rubio described the Board of Peace as “a board of action” and said the immediate priority was ensuring a lasting peace in Gaza, which could serve as a model for resolving other conflicts.
He added that more countries were expected to join the initiative once they completed their internal approval processes.
