Canada Holds Back as Trump Launches ‘Board of Peace’ With Global Members

Canada was notably absent from the list of founding members as U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled his new Board of Peace in Davos, a body initially designed to oversee Gaza’s redevelopment after the Israel–Hamas conflict. Although Prime Minister Mark Carney has said Canada agrees in principle to participate, Ottawa insists that key “details” must be resolved before formally joining.

Carney said the government is concerned about the board’s governance structure and decision-making process, emphasizing that any involvement must align with humanitarian needs in Gaza, where conditions remain dire. The Prime Minister’s Office did not specify whether the possible participation of Russian President Vladimir Putin or Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has influenced Canada’s hesitancy; neither has it confirmed when a final decision will be made.

Skepticism extends across Western Europe as well, with countries like the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain voicing discomfort over the board’s design and Trump’s long-term intentions. Critics worry the initiative could evolve into a parallel global body, competing with or undermining the United Nations Security Council. Trump has previously hinted at creating alternatives to the UN, though he stated in Davos that the Board of Peace will work in conjunction with the UN.

International relations professor Fen Hampson warns that the initiative has expanded from a Gaza-focused redevelopment plan into a body with global ambitions, raising alarm in Ottawa, where officials are unwilling to support anything that may weaken the UN’s role.

At the Davos event, Trump welcomed founding members — including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Turkey, Hungary and Pakistan — and said the initiative is for the world, with potential expansion into other conflicts. Meanwhile, Trump adviser Jared Kushner presented a U.S. redevelopment proposal for Gaza that includes rebuilt cities and new tourism zones, requiring an estimated US$25 billion.

The U.S. has suggested countries could pay US$1 billion for a permanent seat on the board; however, Canadian officials say Canada has not been asked to pay. Carney reiterated that Canada remains committed to supporting humanitarian efforts for Palestinians through funding and in-kind aid, regardless of whether it ultimately joins Trump’s new initiative.