President Donald Trump is set to convene the inaugural meeting of his newly created Board of Peace in Washington on February 19, with a primary focus on mobilising funds for Gaza’s reconstruction.

According to two US administration officials, the gathering will bring together world leaders who accepted Trump’s invitation in January, along with members of a special executive committee tasked with overseeing governance, security and redevelopment plans for Gaza. The officials, speaking anonymously ahead of a formal announcement, said details of the agenda were still being finalised.

It remains unclear how many leaders will attend, though one official described expected participation as “robust.” Invitations obtained by The Associated Press indicate that the meeting will take place at the US Institute of Peace — recently renamed the Donald J Trump US Institute of Peace after the administration took control of the facility last year and dismissed most of its staff amid an ongoing legal dispute.

The Board of Peace was initially presented as a platform aimed at ending the Israel–Hamas war. However, it has since evolved into a much broader initiative, reflecting Trump’s ambition to address multiple global crises outside traditional multilateral institutions. Analysts say the move signals Washington’s intent to reshape post–World War II diplomatic structures and reduce reliance on the United Nations.

Several key US allies in Europe and other regions have already declined to join the board, expressing concern that it could function as an alternative to the UN Security Council. Critics argue that sidelining the UN risks weakening established mechanisms for conflict resolution and humanitarian coordination.

Supporters of Trump’s plan contend that existing international institutions have been too slow or ineffective in responding to conflicts like Gaza, and that a smaller, handpicked forum could deliver faster results.

Meanwhile, reconstruction of Gaza remains a massive challenge, with estimates running into tens of billions of dollars amid continuing political uncertainty, security concerns, and humanitarian needs. Whether Trump’s board can secure meaningful commitments — or achieve lasting peace — will depend on both international buy-in and regional cooperation.