Little accountability

On Tuesday, Feb. 17, Parolin underscored the Holy See’s view that the United Nations should remain the primary body responsible for managing global affairs. “At the international level, it is above all the U.N. that manages these crisis situations,” Parolin stated. “This is one of the points on which we have insisted.”

The U.N. Security Council granted the Board of Peace a mandate in November focused specifically on Gaza, running through 2027. Critics argue that language in the board’s charter allows room for the board to delve into other conflicts and ultimately puts Trump in charge for as long as he wants, with little accountability.

The board is set to host an inaugural meeting in Washington, D.C., on Thursday, Feb. 19.

The White House has announced that 22 countries have signed the founding charter since Trump launched the initiative at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January. Six additional states have signaled their intent to join.

Fourteen countries have publicly declined invitations, while 15 others have yet to respond. Several European governments have expressed concern that the initiative could sideline the United Nations.

Six countries, plus the European Union, will attend as observers.

Oman’s foreign minister has announced plans to attend, though it’s unclear under what status. Israel, which signed on to the charter is sending Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.