DAVOS : In a major shift in global diplomacy, the United States has formally withdrawn from the World Health Organization (WHO), marking a significant change in its approach to international institutions. The American flag was removed from the WHO headquarters in Geneva, symbolizing the end of US membership and participation in the global health body.
Under President Donald Trump’s executive order, the US concluded its withdrawal after the mandated notice period, rejecting the payment of roughly $260 million in outstanding dues to WHO. The administration has stated it will pursue bilateral health cooperation instead of engagement with multilateral institutions — a move that has drawn criticism from global health experts and WHO officials alike.
Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ Launched in Davos with Middle East, Asia Participation
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, President Trump unveiled a new international initiative called the “Board of Peace,” aimed at advancing reconstruction and lasting peace in Gaza following years of conflict.
The board’s launch saw participation from a diverse group of countries. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Indonesia, the UAE, Morocco, Argentina, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Bahrain, Kazakhstan and Vietnam have agreed to join the initiative, signaling broad support from parts of the Middle East and Asia.
The Board of Peace, presented as part of a 20-point plan to end the Gaza conflict and rebuild the region, seeks to promote a permanent ceasefire, reconstruction of infrastructure, and long-term stability.
However, the initiative has sparked debate. In Pakistan, opposition parties have criticized the government’s decision to join the board, calling for closer scrutiny of its implications for national interests.
India’s Position: Careful Evaluation, No Formal Commitment Yet
Unlike some of its neighbours, India did not participate in the signing ceremony of the Board of Peace. New Delhi has chosen a cautious approach, evaluating the initiative against its broader foreign policy and security considerations. Sources report that while the government acknowledges the importance of peace efforts in the Middle East, it is not bound to join the Trump-led board without careful assessment.
Political risk expert Ian Bremmer has noted that India’s status as a “partner and friend” of the United States gives it flexibility in engagement — allowing New Delhi to balance participation with protection of multilateral institutions like the United Nations.
Global Implications and Reactions
The US exit from WHO and subsequent diplomatic initiatives underscore a broader shift in Washington’s foreign policy under President Trump, emphasizing bilateral action and independent structures over traditional multilateral frameworks. Critics argue this could weaken global cooperation at a time when coordinated responses to health crises and conflict resolution are crucial.
Meanwhile, the Board of Peace’s composition — drawing from countries across the Middle East, Africa and Asia — suggests a re-alignment in international efforts toward peace and reconstruction, albeit outside the conventional United Nations system.
Summary: The US withdrawal from WHO and the launch of the Board of Peace initiative reflect significant changes in global diplomatic alignments. With flag removal in Geneva and a new coalition for Gaza peace, the international community is witnessing evolving strategies in addressing conflict and cooperation — even as major players like India adopt a cautious stance amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties.
