Relevance: GS II (International Relations – Global Groupings) | Source: The Hindu

1. The Context: A New Global Player

In a move challenging the established global order, US President Donald Trump inaugurated the “Board of Peace” at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

  • The Mission: The body aims to oversee the ceasefire in Gaza and manage the territory’s future governance, bypassing the traditional United Nations framework.
  • First Move: As an immediate action, the initiative announced the reopening of the Rafah Border Crossing (between Gaza and Egypt) to facilitate aid and movement.

2. The Membership: Who Joined?

While 59 countries reportedly signed up, representatives from only 19 nations were physically present at the launch.

  • The Coalition: It is a unique mix of West Asian nations (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Egypt), Islamic nations (Pakistan, Indonesia), and others like Argentina and Hungary.
  • The Skeptics: Most traditional Western allies (NATO members) stayed away, wary of the body’s ambition to potentially “rival the United Nations.”

3. India’s Stance (Strategic Autonomy)

  • The Absence: Despite being invited, India did not participate in the launch.
  • The Logic: India’s absence signals “Strategic Autonomy.” New Delhi is cautious about joining a US-led grouping that explicitly seeks to sideline the UN, preferring to work through established multilateral frameworks or direct bilateral ties for peace in West Asia.

4. The Controversy: “Obsolete” UN?

President Trump pitched this Board as an alternative to the UN, criticizing the global body for inaction. This marks a significant rise in “Minilateralism”—where powerful nations create small, ad-hoc groups to solve specific problems because they feel big institutions (like the UN) are broken.

UPSC Value Box

Concept / Location

Relevance for Prelims

Rafah CrossingThe only border crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt. It is the sole entry point for aid that does not pass through Israel.
MinilateralismA diplomatic trend where small groups of countries (e.g., Quad, I2U2, Board of Peace) form coalitions to address specific issues, bypassing larger, slower bodies like the UN.
Abraham AccordsA series of agreements (2020) normalizing relations between Israel and several Arab nations (UAE, Bahrain). The “Board of Peace” is seen as a continuation of this policy.

Q. With reference to the “Board of Peace” initiative recently launched at the World Economic Forum (Davos), consider the following statements:

  1. It is a specialized agency under the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to oversee peace in West Asia.
  2. The initiative aims to oversee the governance of the Gaza Strip and facilitate the opening of the Rafah crossing.
  3. India is one of the founding members of this board.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (b)

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