PM Albanese Invited to Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’

Darwin, 20 January: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has been invited to join the “Board of Peace”, a new global body proposed by US President Donald Trump to help resolve international conflicts.

Around 60 world leaders received invitations overnight. Hungary was the only country to immediately accept, with Prime Minister Viktor Orban confirming his participation publicly. Most other governments have so far avoided making official statements.

According to the invitation letter, the board would be chaired for life by President Trump and would initially focus on the Gaza conflict before expanding to address other global disputes. Member states would serve three-year terms unless they contribute US$1 billion to secure permanent membership.

The White House said the proposal offers permanent membership to countries that demonstrate a strong commitment to peace, security and prosperity.

Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the government welcomed the invitation and confirmed discussions with the United States were underway. He said Australia supported efforts to bring an end to the conflict in the Middle East and would consider its position on joining the board.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said her country was ready to contribute, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated he had agreed in principle to participate in the Gaza-focused initiative, pending further details.

Some European governments have raised concerns that the proposed board could undermine the role of the United Nations. One diplomat described it as a “Trump United Nations” that bypasses key principles of the UN charter.

Leaders from France, Germany, Italy, the European Commission and several Middle Eastern countries were also among those invited to join the initiative.