Former Maltese Minister Evarist Bartolo has expressed skepticism about the implications of US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative, which aims to address global conflicts. Bartolo’s warnings come as the board, launched at the World Economic Forum, has garnered mixed reactions from world leaders. While some countries, including Pakistan and the UAE, have joined, others like Norway, Sweden, and several European nations have declined, citing concerns over the board’s potential to undermine the United Nations’ authority.
The Board of Peace, chaired by Trump, has been touted as a flexible mechanism for dialogue and conflict mitigation, but its broader ambitions and governance structure have raised eyebrows. Critics argue that the board’s focus on transactional deal-making and national interest could compromise multilateral norms and the UN’s role in global peacekeeping. The EU has expressed concerns over the concentration of power in Trump’s hands, and some analysts question whether the initiative is a genuine effort towards peace or a means to reinforce American influence.
