Global News Podcast – Trump Launches Board of Peace
BBC World Service | January 22, 2026 | Host: Ankur Desai
Episode Overview
This episode of the Global News Podcast centers on the high-profile launch of Donald Trump's “Board of Peace,” a new international body aiming to foster peace in the Middle East and beyond. The episode explores global responses, controversy over the board’s purpose and legitimacy, broader implications for international diplomacy, dramatic updates on the ongoing crises in Greenland, Ukraine, Nigeria, and Pakistan, and closes with the historic Oscars nominations.
Key Segments and Insights
1. Trump Launches the "Board of Peace" at Davos
Segment Start: 01:25
Announcing the Board
- Donald Trump held a signing ceremony at Davos for the “Board of Peace,” claiming it could become “one of the most consequential bodies ever created.”
- The board, originally conceived to oversee Gaza's postwar rebuilding, is now positioned as a tool for tackling global challenges.
“This board has the chance to be one of the most consequential bodies ever created, and it's my enormous honor to serve as its chairman."
— Donald Trump (02:07)
Details of the Board
- Trump advisor Jared Kushner presented conceptual images of a futuristic Gaza, touting ambitious plans.
- Membership comes with a hefty $1 billion price tag, but how the funds will be used is unclear.
- Qatar, Turkey, Egypt, and Israel have signed on; notable absences include Palestinian leadership and major European powers.
Criticism and Concerns
- Some believe this is an attempt to rival or replace the UN.
“We must all welcome the activism of Mr. Trump on wars … but the test of this grand new scheme is going to be whether it moves to phase two properly in Gaza. The signs are not good.”
— Martin Griffiths, former UN Under Secretary General (04:40)
European and Russian Stances
- The UK Foreign Secretary voiced concerns over Russian President Putin’s involvement and confirmed no UK commitment.
- Russia indicated willingness to send $1 billion in previously frozen assets to the Board of Peace.
2. Analysis: Trump’s Style and the Board’s Viability
Segment Start: 08:30
Security Correspondent Frank Gardner
- Trump’s penchant for self-promotion and deal-making is central to the board’s launch.
“This is very much his day... this is about Donald Trump and his vision of the world and his incredible self-belief as A not just a deal maker, but a peacemaker.”
— Frank Gardner (08:40)
- Trump delivered on phase one: a ceasefire and prisoner swap in Gaza, though “phase two is going to be a lot harder.”
"The proof… is it actually going to make [Gazans'] lives any better?... Is there going to be any light at the end of a tunnel towards building a peaceful Palestinian state?"
— Frank Gardner (10:10)
- Noted the board’s authority is weakened by the lack of European and Palestinian participation, but involvement from Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain is significant.
3. Greenland Deal Controversy
Segment Start: 12:10
- Trump claims a framework deal on Greenland is imminent after a dramatic shift in tone, previously insisting "he absolutely had to own Greenland."
- The Danish Prime Minister and local Greenlanders express caution, emphasizing the importance of territorial integrity.
- Details remain scarce; EU leaders convene an emergency summit.
“Very thrilled to hear that, first of all, because he has been saying a lot of stuff about taking Greenland with forests, like he'll do it the hard way, which is so scary to hear. ... So I still feel like everything, everything can happen.”
— Greenland Resident (13:25)
Analyst Commentary
- The EU's lack of detail fuels anxiety; counter-tariffs and a paused US-EU trade deal highlight the stakes.
4. Ukraine Peace Negotiations
Segment Start: 16:50
- Trump meets Ukraine’s President Zelensky at Davos; Zelensky calls the talks “positive,” sharing that peace documents are nearly ready, but stresses the need for lasting security guarantees post-war.
- US envoy Steve Witkoff is optimistic, claiming negotiations are “down to one issue.”
“I actually am optimistic. … I think we've got it down to one issue, and we have discussed iterations of that issue, and that means it's solvable.”
— US Envoy Steve Witkoff (18:50)
- Kremlin remains tight-lipped but appreciates Trump’s efforts; whether a peace deal is imminent remains uncertain.
5. Rules-Based Order Under Strain: Trump’s Approach
Segment Start: 25:20
Panel Discussion with David Charter (The Times) & Gillian Tett (King’s College, Financial Times)
- Trump’s diplomacy is likened to business brinkmanship: exaggeration, negotiation in public, and aggressive tactics disrupt traditional diplomacy.
"He set out how he would use every weapon in his arsenal to create a situation where his opponent would compromise ... This is what he's brought to international diplomacy and of course it's a wrecking ball."
— David Charter (25:50)
- The disruption is real:
- “The old rules-based order ... is, if not totally smashed apart, then definitely fraying.”
- Mark Carney calls it “an era of rupture.”
- European leaders are “grateful that Trump is not going to invade Greenland with a military force,” evoking emotional exhaustion.
"The fundamental problem right now is that America is one single entity that revolves around President Trump … Europe, very fragmented."
— Gillian Tett (29:45)
6. Nigeria: Mass Kidnappings
Segment Start: 33:30
- 177 worshippers abducted from three churches in Kaduna; no demands yet from the kidnappers.
- Local authorities accused of intimidating witnesses and journalists.
"If my family is not with me then my life is worthless and free of any joy. … they aren't dead but they're in a dire situation."
— Father who escaped with two-year-old daughter (34:50)
7. Pakistan: Illegal Lion Trade
Segment Start: 37:00
- An 11-year-old girl attacked by a lion in Lahore leads police to discover 11 illegally kept lions in an embroidery factory.
- Keeping big cats is a status symbol, with Instagram-fueled demand.
- Animal welfare concerns persist; crackdowns are frequent but ineffective.
“These are wild animals, they need long, bigger spaces to roam around. So many of them might be having disease or genetic condition ... suffering in fact, you know, being caged throughout their life in a small area.”
— Ambarasan Etirajan, BBC Global Affairs Correspondent (37:45)
8. New Zealand: Landslide Tragedy
Segment Start: 19:50
- Deadly landslide at a New Zealand campground; several people missing, heavy rain and damaged infrastructure exacerbate the crisis.
- PM Luxon cancels engagements; search and rescue ongoing.
“I heard this huge tree crack and all this dirt come off like behind me. And then I look behind me and there's this huge landslide coming down and I'm still shaking from it now. It's like the scariest thing I've ever experienced in my life.”
— Eyewitness (20:40)
9. Oscars 2026: Historic Nominations
Segment Start: 40:00
- “Sinners” sets a new record with 16 nominations, breaking the long-held record by “All About Eve,” “Titanic,” and “La La Land.”
- “Hamnet” receives eight nominations.
- Analysis of shocks and snubs (notably, Adam Sandler missed out), and the prospects for “One Battle After Another” and other frontrunners.
“Oscar nominations day is like Christmas morning for movie fans. It's a mix of anticipation, delight and disappointment.”
— Entertainment Journalist Sandra Manetti (41:15)
Notable Quotes & Moments
- Donald Trump:
- “This board has the chance to be one of the most consequential bodies ever created, and it's my enormous honor to serve as its chairman.” (02:07)
- Martin Griffiths, Former UN Under Secretary General:
- “We must all welcome the activism of Mr. Trump on wars... [but] the test... is going to be whether it moves to phase two properly in Gaza. The signs are not good.” (04:40)
- Frank Gardner, BBC Security Correspondent:
- “The proof… is it actually going to make their lives any better? ... Is there going to be any light at the end of a tunnel towards building a peaceful Palestinian state?” (10:10)
- Gillian Tett:
- “The old rules-based order... if not totally smashed apart, then definitely fraying.” (26:40)
- Eyewitness, New Zealand Landslide:
- “I'm still shaking from it now. It's like the scariest thing I've ever experienced in my life.” (20:40)
Timestamps: Key Segments
| Time | Segment | |------------|----------------------------------------------| | 01:25 | Trump’s Board of Peace Launch | | 04:40 | Criticisms & International Reaction | | 08:30 | Frank Gardner Analysis | | 12:10 | Greenland Deal Controversy | | 16:50 | Ukraine Peace Negotiations | | 19:50 | New Zealand Landslide Update | | 25:20 | Panel: Trump’s Diplomacy Style & Disruption | | 33:30 | Nigeria Kidnappings | | 37:00 | Pakistan Illegal Lion Breeding | | 40:00 | Oscars 2026 Nominations |
Tone and Style
The episode maintains the BBC’s hallmark calm, objective reporting, but captures the high-stakes tension of international diplomacy, the human drama of ongoing crises, and a tone of both skepticism and hopefulness around new international initiatives and ceasefire talks. The Oscars segment brings a change of pace, offering excitement and a touch of Hollywood flourish.
Summary
For listeners: This episode offers a sweeping, multi-continent survey of today’s most urgent headlines—anchored by the unveiling and analysis of Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, its possible challenge to the UN-led global order, and a candid look at the evolving face of international diplomacy. Other segments on Ukraine, Greenland, Nigeria, Pakistan, and entertainment news provide broad, informative coverage for anyone wanting a swift yet nuanced overview of world events.