Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan Join Trump-Initiated Board of Peace

For many post-Soviet republics, the initiative offers an opportunity to diversify foreign policy and reduce dependence on traditional power centers such as Moscow or Beijing

A new international organization, the Board of Peace, was formally established yesterday on the initiative of U.S. President Donald TRUMP. The charter for the board was signed on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos by representatives from 19 countries. Joining Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as founding signatories, the other parties are Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Mongolia, Pakistan, Kosovo, and Vietnam. The United States is not counted among the 19 signatories, acting instead as the initiative’s convener and chair. The Board of Peace is designed as a consultative platform rather than a treaty-based organization, with no enforcement powers and voluntary participation by member states.

Following the signing, a comprehensive development plan for the Gaza Strip was unveiled, which envisions transforming the enclave into a regional economic hub by 2035, with a projected GDP of over $10 billion under the proposal. The plan includes restoring water, electricity, sewage systems, and hospitals, creating jobs, and developing coastal tourism.

The concept was presented by entrepreneur Jared KUSHNER, Trump’s son-in-law. Kushner will serve on the Board of Peace’s executive board, alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco RUBIO, Special Envoy Steve WITKOFF, World Bank President Ajay BANGA, and former British Prime Minister Tony BLAIR, among others.

The inclusion of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the two largest economies in Central Asia, as founding members underscores their growing role in global diplomacy. Azerbaijan, which has recently expressed interest in joining the Central Asia-focused C5 regional format, also signed the charter. Separately, observers have begun referring to the growing cooperation between Central Asia and Azerbaijan as the “C6,” which could pave the way for greater collaboration on the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, including the Zangezur Corridor through Armenia.

Uzbekistan’s participation reflects Tashkent’s increasingly active multi-vector foreign policy under President Shavkat MIRZIYOYEV, which has sought to expand the country’s diplomatic footprint beyond its immediate neighborhood. In recent years, Uzbekistan has stepped up engagement with the United States, the European Union, and the Middle East, while positioning itself as a pragmatic regional actor on development, connectivity, and post-conflict reconstruction initiatives.

During the signing ceremony, President Kassym-Jomart TOKAYEV of Kazakhstan and Trump reportedly had a brief but cordial exchange. In a statement to the press, Ruslan ZHELDIBAY, spokesperson for the Kazakh president, said Tokayev pointed out that Kazakhstan’s accession to the Abraham Accords was listed as item 177 in a document titled 365 Victories of President Donald Trump in 365 Days, distributed at the Davos Forum. Tokayev also wished Trump success in pursuing a “common sense” domestic policy. Trump, in turn, thanked Tokayev for supporting the Board of Peace initiative.

The press service of Akorda, the presidential residence of Kazakhstan, later clarified that joining the Board of Peace is based on a sovereign decision and entails a standard three-year term. Participation does not require a financial contribution, though the charter allows member states to make a voluntary contribution of up to $1 billion. If made within the first year, such a contribution enables the state to seek permanent or extended membership.

“Kazakhstan joined the Board of Peace without making any financial contribution, which fully aligns with the provisions of the charter,” the Akorda press service stated.

Tokayev has consistently advocated for increased international influence for middle powers, a group he argues must have a voice in shaping global policy. His engagement with the Board of Peace may signal a potential shift in regional alignment. For many post-Soviet republics, the initiative offers an opportunity to diversify foreign policy and reduce dependence on traditional power centers such as Moscow or Beijing, without the financial burden often associated with such alignments. Critics have questioned how the Board of Peace will translate ambitious development plans into binding commitments, noting the absence of enforcement mechanisms and the voluntary nature of participation.

By The: The Times of Central Asia.

Image: president.uz.

SHARE YOUR OPINION AND DISCUSS THE ARTICLE ON OUR TELEGRAM CHANNEL!