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Key insights
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Participation gap: Trump claimed 59 countries had signed on, but only 19 countries were represented at the launch event.
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India’s position unclear: India did not attend the ceremony and is reported to be yet to decide whether to join.
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Allies opted out: notes that many U.S. allies chose not to participate despite Trump’s claims of broad interest.
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What happened
At the World Economic Forum in Davos on January 22, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the charter for a new “Board of Peace,” which he said would lead efforts to maintain a ceasefire in Israel’s war with Hamas and could eventually rival the United Nations. Trump said 59 countries had signed onto the board, but representatives from only 19 countries and the U.S. were present at the ceremony. India was not present, though Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the leaders invited to join; says India has not yet taken a decision. The initiative was described as being overshadowed during the week by Trump’s threats to seize Greenland and a retreat from that push.