At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland (January 19–23, 2026), world leaders convened against an unusually tense geopolitical backdrop that places the Gaza conflict and international governance structures at the center of debate. The forum’s theme, “A Spirit of Dialogue,” aimed to foster cooperation among nearly 400 political leaders and 850 business executives from over 130 countries, even as conflicts including Gaza and Ukraine loom large over global stability discussions.
A New Peace Initiative Surfaces at Davos
Late in the lead-up to Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump formalized a controversial initiative called the “Board of Peace,” intended initially to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction after the cessation of hostilities. The strategy, set to be showcased at Davos, has been widely described as having a broader remit that could rival traditional multilateral frameworks like the United Nations. Reuters reported on January 18 that “world leaders show caution on Trump’s broader ‘Board of Peace’ amid fears [it] appears broader than Gaza,” noting concerns that the body could overshadow or undermine existing international institutions.
Regional Voices at the Forum
Palestinian Prime Minister Dr. Mohammad Mustafa urged leaders at the Davos forum on January 20 to focus on political solutions, reiterating that “the true solution to the Palestinian cause lies in ending the occupation and implementing the two-state solution,” during a meeting with the President of the UN General Assembly, Annalena Baerbock. Mustafa’s comments emphasized the need for stable governance and reconstruction in Gaza alongside broader political rights for Palestinians.
Humanitarian Calls from Qatar
Also on January 20, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister of Qatar, addressed the forum on the urgency of humanitarian access to Gaza. He told the World Economic Forum leadership that “a lot of humanitarian aid is still not allowed to enter because of restrictions, and we need to have unrestricted access for humanitarian aid for the people”, underscoring the ongoing severity of conditions in the territory.
UN Security Council and Gaza: Global Diplomatic Fronts
While Davos hosted high-level dialogue, the United Nations Security Council has remained actively engaged with the Gaza conflict on the diplomatic front. Over the preceding year, the Council debated multiple resolutions on Gaza — including ceasefire demands and humanitarian provisions — though resolutions sometimes stalled or were vetoed, reflecting deep geopolitical divisions among permanent members. (Past veto actions and Security Council dynamics have shaped the environment into which the Board of Peace is being introduced.)
Global Skepticism Toward New Governance Models
European states and other world actors at Davos expressed reserved or critical stances toward Trump’s “Board of Peace.” According to reporting from Haaretz and Arab News, several European governments have either refrained from endorsing the initiative outright or have voiced concerns about its scope and implications for UN authority. As one analyst summarized, the initiative “fails to spark enthusiasm among world leaders” due to fears it might “undermine global peace efforts and institutions” without clear legal frameworks.
Intersecting Security Council Discourse and Forum Dialogue
Although the Security Council and Davos convenings operate in different fora, both arenas reflect an acute concern about Gaza’s future — from humanitarian access to questions of political legitimacy and reconstruction governance. At Davos, calls from Arab and Palestinian officials for practical humanitarian relief and political resolution echoed longstanding Council debates over ceasefires, aid flows, and international legal frameworks for sustainable peace.
