Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced that he will attend the inaugural meeting of President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” in Washington, D.C., scheduled for two weeks from now. This newly formed entity, originally intended to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza, appears to have a broader mission that could challenge the authority of the United Nations.
At a campaign event in Szombathely, Orbán highlighted the significance of the upcoming meeting. “Two weeks from now we will meet again in Washington, because the Board of Peace, the peace body, will have an inaugural meeting,” he stated. His participation underscores his position as one of Trump’s closest allies within the European Union.
The Board of Peace’s charter does not limit its focus solely to Gaza, suggesting ambitions that extend to global governance. The initiative was initially endorsed by the UN Security Council in November 2023, with a resolution emphasizing stabilization efforts in Gaza as part of the Trump administration’s 20-point peace plan. Since then, the board’s objectives appear to have expanded, with Trump suggesting it “might” replace the UN as the primary global governing body.
Membership in the Board of Peace is financially demanding, requiring permanent members to contribute $1 billion. This aspect has drawn criticism, with some commentators warning that it risks becoming a “pay to play” scenario similar to the UN Security Council. As of January 21, 2024, more than 50 nations were invited to join, although the criteria for invitations remain unclear. The White House has released a list of potential participants, but many have not confirmed their attendance.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is set to lead the board, described its formation as a “work in progress,” indicating the Trump administration’s expectation for increased membership in the future. The initiative could reshape international relations and peacekeeping efforts if it gains substantial traction.
Orbán’s engagement with the Board of Peace takes place against the backdrop of his domestic political landscape. He faces a significant challenge in the upcoming general election on April 12, 2024. Current independent polls suggest that the opposition, led by former government insider Peter Magyar, is gaining ground amid widespread public dissatisfaction over economic stagnation and declining public services.
As the world watches the development of the Board of Peace, the responses of invited nations and international organizations will be crucial in determining its legitimacy and effectiveness on the global stage.
