Political scientist on Board of Peace for Gaza: As a state, Armenia  must be involved in global processes

ArmInfo. Various processes are taking place in the world and its is essential for states to be involved in them, as stated by political scientist Suren  Surenyants in an interview with an ArmInfo correspondent, when commenting on US President Donald Trump's recent announcement of a  Board of Peace for Gaza and the invitation extended to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Surenyants suggests that the Board of Peace is designed with a scope  far beyond the post-war reconstruction of Gaza. With invitations  extended to 58 countries, including the leaders of Russia and  Belarus, he views this structure as a potential alternative to the UN  during this global "transitional phase."

"We are seeing the formation of a structure that could eventually  replace the UN in a new world order," Surenants noted, emphasizing  that Armenia's involvement should be based on a clear understanding  of the institution's long-term objectives and its role in global  governance. 

"Since various processes are currently taking place in the world, it  is necessary to be interested in them as states, but only under the  condition of understanding the real purpose of such initiatives,"  Surenyants said.

Regarding the contribution for participation in the Board  (the  administration of US President Donald Trump is asking countries  seeking a permanent seat on the Board of Peace to contribute at least  $1 billion - ed.), the political scientist clarified that it would  not affect Armenia, as it would not become a permanent member. "This  will only affect those countries that will have a significant role,  that is, the superpowers," Surenyants pointed out, recalling that  Trump had proposed a differentiated approach to participation in the  Council. Surenyants, however, did not rule out the possibility that  Pashinyan would try to exploit any such pretext as a PR tool,  especially in the context of the upcoming elections in Armenia (June  7, 2026 - ed.). "It is not something new," he noted.

According to Surenyants, Pashinyan's recognition as a laureate of the  Zayed Award for Human Fraternity (the award is given to individuals  or organizations that have selflessly and tirelessly worked for the  benefit of human brotherhood and achieved progress towards peaceful  coexistence - ed.) and the previously mentioned invitation to the  Board of Peace for Gaza fits into this logic.

Recall, Trump had announced the formation of the Board of Peace for  Gaza. The White House announced on Saturday that the Board includes  US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump's special envoy Steve  Witkoff, the American leader's son-in-law, investor Jared Kushner,  former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, World Bank President Ajay  Banga, and US Deputy National Security Advisor Robert Gabriel.   According to Bloomberg, the Trump administration is asking countries  seeking a permanent seat on the board to contribute at least $1  billion.