Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced on Saturday that he will travel to Washington, D.C., in two weeks to participate in the inaugural meeting of President Donald Trump‘s “Board of Peace.” Initially created to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza, the board’s scope appears to extend beyond the Palestinian territory, positioning itself as a potential rival to the United Nations.
Orbán made the announcement during a campaign event in the western town of Szombathely, stating, “Two weeks from now we will meet again in Washington, because the Board of Peace, the peace body, will have an inaugural meeting.” This initiative was launched last month at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where Orbán was one of the prominent attendees.
The board’s charter stipulates that permanent members are required to contribute $1 billion to join, raising concerns that it could become a “pay to play” version of the U.N. Security Council. The United Nations previously approved a resolution in November 2023 endorsing the “Board of Peace,” which focuses on stabilizing Gaza in line with the Trump administration’s 20-point peace plan for the region.
As discussions around the board continue, Trump suggested last month that it “might” replace the primary global body for international governance. Reports indicate that over 50 countries were invited to participate as of January 21, though the White House has not clarified the selection criteria for these invitations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is expected to lead the board, described its formation as a work in progress. This indicates an expectation from the Trump administration that membership will expand over time. While a list of participants has been released, many invitees have yet to confirm their attendance at the inaugural meeting.
Orbán’s engagement in this initiative comes at a critical time as he faces an unprecedented challenge in the upcoming general election scheduled for April 12, 2024. Independent polls suggest that the opposition, led by Peter Magyar, a former government insider turned critic, is currently ahead. Key issues influencing the electorate include a stagnating economy and growing dissatisfaction with public services.
As the political landscape in Hungary evolves, Orbán’s participation in the Board of Peace may influence both his domestic standing and Hungary’s role on the international stage. The outcome of the election will be closely watched, particularly in light of Hungary’s alignment with Trump’s policies and the ongoing developments surrounding the Board of Peace.
