UAE Endorses US Peace Initiative
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially accepted an invitation from the United States to join the 'Board of Peace,' an initiative spearheaded by former US President Donald Trump. The announcement was made on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, by the UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, confirmed the nation's participation in the board, which is primarily tasked with overseeing the post-war reconstruction of Gaza.
Emirati Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed emphasized that the UAE's decision underscores the importance of fully implementing President Trump's 20-point peace plan for Gaza. He stated that this plan is 'critical for the realization of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.'
The 'Board of Peace' Mandate
The 'Board of Peace' was initially conceived to manage the rebuilding efforts in the Gaza Strip following the recent conflict. However, its charter suggests a broader scope, with some interpretations indicating an ambition to rival the United Nations in global conflict resolution. The board is designed to provide strategic oversight, mobilize international resources, and ensure accountability in the transition of Gaza from conflict to peace and development.
Key aspects of the Board of Peace include:
- It will be chaired for life by Donald Trump.
- Member countries are typically limited to three-year terms.
- A permanent seat on the board can be secured by contributing $1 billion in cash funds within the first year of the charter's entry into force.
The UAE is a significant US ally in the region and was one of the first Arab nations to establish official ties with Israel through the Abraham Accords during Trump's first term in 2020.
Trump's Comprehensive Peace Plan for Gaza
President Trump's peace initiative, officially known as the 'Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict,' was publicly announced on September 29, 2025, during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan was subsequently signed on October 9, 2025, and received endorsement from the UN Security Council on November 17, 2025.
The 20-point roadmap outlines several critical objectives, including:
- An immediate ceasefire.
- The return of all hostages and prisoner exchanges.
- The demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.
- The deployment of an International Stabilization Force.
- Transitional governance by Palestinian technocrats under international supervision.
- Large-scale reconstruction efforts.
International Reactions and Concerns
The establishment of the 'Board of Peace' and its funding model, particularly the $1 billion fee for permanent membership, has drawn mixed reactions internationally. While countries such as Belarus, Morocco, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Argentina, and Vietnam have also accepted invitations to join, some European governments have expressed concerns. These concerns primarily revolve around the potential for the new board to undermine the authority and work of the United Nations.
5 Comments
Comandante
A fresh approach is exactly what's required here. The UN hasn't delivered. Time for new ideas!
Habibi
How is this genuinely for Palestinian rights when it's structured like a private club?
Muchacho
It's good to see a concrete plan for Gaza's reconstruction gaining traction, but the idea of a single individual chairing it for life raises serious questions about long-term impartiality and accountability.
Coccinella
The UAE's justification rings hollow. This seems more about influence than actual peace.
Muchacha
The 20-point peace plan offers a detailed roadmap for conflict resolution and development, which is positive. However, the $1 billion fee for a permanent seat makes it seem less like a collaborative effort and more like an exclusive club for wealthy nations.