DAVOS : The charter establishing the Peace Council was signed during a ceremony held in Davos, Switzerland, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum, in the presence of President Trump and leaders and representatives from several countries. Addressing the Davos Forum, Trump said his administration was taking the formation of the council seriously, arguing that there was “an opportunity for peace” following the end of the long-running war in Gaza and the achievement of a ceasefire.

Trump said the United States was focused on ending protracted conflicts, some of which have lasted for more than three decades, with the broader goal of preventing new wars and promoting long-term global stability. The Peace Council forms a central pillar of the plan proposed by Trump, which underpinned the Gaza ceasefire agreement that came into effect on October 10, 2025.

Days before the announcement, Trump had invited dozens of world leaders to join the council, noting that it could also address wider global challenges beyond the fragile ceasefire in Gaza. He clarified that the Peace Council was not intended to replace the United Nations, but rather to work alongside it.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates welcomed the US President’s invitation to join the council. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the eight countries reaffirmed their support for Trump-led peace efforts and confirmed their commitment to implementing the council’s mission as a transitional body, in line with the comprehensive plan to end the Gaza conflict adopted under UN Security Council Resolution 2803.

According to its charter, the Peace Council aims to establish a permanent ceasefire, support the reconstruction of Gaza, and advance a just and lasting peace based on the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of their state in accordance with international law. The initiative is framed as a pathway toward achieving security and stability for all countries and peoples in the region.

However, the proposal has faced resistance from parts of Europe, with Sweden, Norway, France and Italy expressing opposition to joining the council.

Under the draft charter, President Trump will serve as the council’s first president and will have the authority to decide which countries are invited to become members. Decisions will be taken by majority vote, with each member state holding one vote, but all resolutions will remain subject to the president’s approval.

Member states will serve for a term of up to three years from the date the charter enters into force, with the possibility of renewal at the president’s discretion. This term limit will not apply to countries that contribute more than $1 billion in cash to the council during its first year of operation.