In a significant move, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced his upcoming trip to Washington for the inaugural meeting of US President Donald Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ scheduled for 19 February 2024. This board, originally established to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza, aims to expand its mandate to address global conflicts, raising eyebrows and concerns globally.
The Board of Peace: A New Player in Global Affairs
The formation of the Board of Peace was first introduced by Trump during an event at the Swiss ski resort of Davos. The board’s membership requirements have already drawn criticism:
- Permanent membership costs a staggering US$1 billion (approximately S$1.2 billion).
- This model may create a version of the UN Security Council that favours those with financial means, leading to accusations of a ‘pay to play’ system.
While some Middle Eastern allies of the US have shown interest, many traditional Western allies remain cautious about joining the initiative.
Challenges for Orban Ahead of the Meeting
As one of Trump’s closest allies in the European Union, Orban’s participation comes amidst growing domestic challenges. He faces a formidable opposition, led by Peter Magyar, in the upcoming general election slated for 12 April 2024. Issues such as a stagnating economy and public service discontent are at the forefront of voters’ concerns.
Orban described the Washington meeting as crucial, stating, “Two weeks from now we will meet again in Washington, because the Board of Peace, the peace body, will have an inaugural meeting.” Despite the board’s ambitious goals, experts warn that such moves might undermine existing international governance structures, particularly the United Nations, sparking a debate about sovereignty and global intervention.
The International Response
The response from international leaders and organisations has been mixed:
- Many rights experts have raised concerns about the potential for a colonial-like oversight structure, particularly with Trump’s direct involvement.
- No Palestinian representatives have been included, which has further drawn criticism.
As the fragile ceasefire in Gaza remains in jeopardy following periods of violence, the future effectiveness of the Board of Peace will be carefully scrutinised by the global community.