Washington: US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United Nations must be allowed to continue, responding to growing international concern over his proposed “Board of Peace”, an initiative that critics say could undermine the UN’s role in global conflict resolution.
When asked whether the new board was intended to replace the United Nations, Trump replied, “Might,” before softening his stance during a briefing.
“The UN just hasn’t been very helpful. I’m a big fan of the UN’s potential, but it has never lived up to its potential,” Trump said.
“I believe you got to let the UN continue because the potential is so great,” he added.
Governments and diplomats worldwide have reacted cautiously to Trump’s invitation to join the initiative, warning that it could damage existing multilateral peace mechanisms and overlap with the UN’s mandate.
The White House last week announced key members of the proposed board, including US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, special envoy Steve Witkoff, former UK prime minister Tony Blair, and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
The so-called Board of Peace was authorised through a UN Security Council resolution adopted in mid-November, which also allowed participating countries to form an international stabilisation force in Gaza, where a fragile ceasefire began in October under a Trump-backed plan agreed to by Israel and Hamas.
Under the proposal, the board was initially tasked with overseeing temporary governance in Gaza, before Trump later suggested expanding its mandate to address global conflicts.
However, observers and human rights experts have warned that the initiative could undermine the UN, with some describing it as resembling a colonial-style governance structure. Tony Blair’s involvement has also drawn criticism due to his role in the Iraq war and Britain’s historical presence in the Middle East.
The Gaza ceasefire itself remains fragile. Since it began in October, more than 460 Palestinians, including over 100 children, and three Israeli soldiers have reportedly been killed.