The 'Board of Peace' constituted by US President Donald Trump under a plan to oversee the temporary governance of Gaza provides the international community a historic opportunity to reshape the future of Palestine, according to World Bank President Ajay Banga. Speaking to NDTV Network's Rahul Kanwal on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Banga called the moment "a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity to make a difference" in the war-scarred region.
The board was announced last week by the White House, even as violence continue in Gaza despite a fragile ceasefire that took effect in October. Banga highlighted the scale of the challenge and the potential impact on the wider region. "There's a billion people living in the Arab world," he said, noting that the crisis in Gaza has deep regional and global implications.
Banga framed the central question facing the international community: whether it can move forward after two years of turmoil, starting from the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel and the subsequent Gaza war. "The issue here is, can we turn the page on two years of trauma?" he said.
A key step, according to him, would be ensuring security conditions that allow reconstruction to begin. “Once Hamas is disarmed, can we create opportunities for reconstruction and better lives for Palestinians?” Banga said, stressing that stability is essential for long‑term development.
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Addressing questions around the Board of Peace, Banga said the institution is not designed to replace the United Nations. He noted comments by Trump, who said the board would work alongside the UN, but suggested the debate reflects a broader discussion about whether the body is functioning to its full potential.
The World Bank has already prepared a comprehensive roadmap for the region, developed with input from experts and all relevant stakeholders. The plan has been presented to member nations for further discussion, Banga said.
The roadmap consists of four pillars: urban renewal and reconstruction of Gaza's devastated infrastructure, rehabilitation and reskilling programmes to support people returning to civilian life, Mobilising the private sector and building a reliable financial system and connecting Gaza and Palestine to neighbouring economies through enhanced trade and digital integration.
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