Norway Latest Country To Decline Trump's 'Board Of Peace' Invitation. Who Else Have Opted Out?

Last Updated:January 21, 2026, 16:47 IST

In a clear setback to the US-led plan, Norway said it would also not attend the signing ceremony for the board.

US President Donald Trump. (AFP Photo)

Norway will not take part in US President Donald Trump’s proposed “Board of Peace", saying the initiative raises several unanswered questions and requires further discussion, the Norwegian government said on Wednesday.

In a clear setback to the US-led plan, Norway said it would also not attend the signing ceremony for the board, scheduled to be hosted by Trump in Davos, Switzerland. The announcement comes amid reports that several other invited countries have also declined to join the initiative.

Norwegian State Secretary Kristoffer Thoner said the American proposal needed closer examination, particularly in relation to existing international frameworks.

“The American proposal raises a number of questions which require further dialogue with the United States," Thoner said in a statement. He added that Norway would therefore not join the proposed arrangements for the Board of Peace and would not take part in the signing ceremony.

What Is The ‘Board Of Peace’?

Trump’s “Board of Peace" was initially conceived as a body to oversee the rebuilding of Gaza, but its founding charter suggests a much wider scope. The document describes the board as an international organisation aimed at promoting stability, restoring lawful governance and securing enduring peace in areas affected by conflict.

Under the charter, the US President would serve as chairman of the board and retain wide powers over its structure and leadership. Countries invited to join have reportedly been asked to contribute up to one billion dollars for a permanent seat. The charter states that the board would come into force once three states formally agree to be bound by it.

Norway’s decision comes against the backdrop of strained relations with Trump, who has publicly expressed frustration after being passed over for the Nobel Peace Prize. Last year’s prize was awarded to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.

Countries That Have Declined The Invitation

Norway is not alone in expressing reservations about the Board of Peace.

France, a long-time ally of the United States, has indicated it will not participate. The French response reportedly drew a sharp reaction from Trump, who threatened to impose steep tariffs on French wine.

Britain has also raised serious concerns, particularly over the inclusion of Russian President Vladimir Putin. A Downing Street spokesperson said it would be difficult to support a body that included Russia, describing Putin as the aggressor in an illegal war against Ukraine and “not serious about peace".

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has echoed these concerns, saying it would be “very hard" for Ukraine to sit on a council alongside Russia, although diplomatic discussions were continuing.

(With inputs from agencies)

News world Norway Latest Country To Decline Trump's 'Board Of Peace' Invitation. Who Else Have Opted Out?

Read More