Brazilian President Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva has recently criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of attempting to create “a new United Nations” following the launch of Trump’s “Board of Peace” initiative in Switzerland.
In a speech delivered in Rio Grande do Sul, Lula expressed concern that instead of reforming the existing United Nations, Trump aims to establish a new organization controlled solely by himself. He also remarked on Trump’s style of leadership, saying that the U.S. president “wants to run the world through Twitter,” noting how Trump’s daily statements generate widespread global attention.
Lula emphasized the importance of multilateralism, warning against what he described as a return to “the law of the jungle” in international relations. He further cautioned that the UN charter is under threat, signaling a need to preserve the organization’s foundational principles.
These comments came shortly after Lula’s phone conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who urged him to uphold the UN’s central role in international affairs. Lula’s remarks also coincide with the U.S. withdrawal from numerous UN bodies and the promotion of Trump’s “America First” agenda, which has introduced tariffs and military pressures that have caused some traditional U.S. allies to question their trust in Washington.
Trump unveiled the “Board of Peace” at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland—an event increasingly positioning itself as an alternative global forum to the UN. Notably, the board includes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces accusations of war crimes by the International Criminal Court and whose forces have been linked to the deaths of over 300 staff members of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza.
Initially, the “Board of Peace” was presented as a body meant to oversee the reconstruction of Gaza after more than two years of conflict. However, the board’s official 11-page charter makes no reference to Gaza, suggesting that its mandate may have broadened.
The United Nations, established in the aftermath of World War II, is currently facing significant funding shortages for its humanitarian and human rights programs. This shortfall is partly due to the U.S. and other Western countries diverting funds from international aid toward military spending. The UN operates on an annual budget of roughly $3.72 billion, with the U.S. expected to contribute $820 million in 2025, though it has fallen behind on payments under the Trump administration.
In contrast, the draft charter of the new “Board of Peace” requires member countries to pay $1 billion to maintain membership beyond three years, indicating a substantially different financial model from that of the UN.
This development highlights growing tensions in the global governance landscape, as established institutions face challenges from emerging initiatives that reflect shifting geopolitical priorities.
