UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher says the Trump-backed 'Board of Peace' is not an alternative to the United Nations.
Speaking to Euronews, Fletcher emphasized Washington and participating nations made it clear the initiative does not aim to replace the UN. "We're still here," he said, underscoring the UN's role as a member-state body of over 190 countries coordinating global crisis response.
Fletcher called the current geopolitical climate "polarised, divided, and marked by impunity"-but defended the UN’s enduring relevance. "Is the UN perfect? No way. But I’m not going to accept the attacks that come our way."
The humanitarian toll across the Middle East is worsening: tens of thousands displaced in Lebanon, severe access constraints in Gaza and Sudan, and internal displacement surging in Iran. Fletcher warned global displacement will rise-not just from conflict, but from climate change.
He cited recent signals from Beirut indicating openness to direct Israel-Lebanon talks, stressing: "The path is through dialogue and diplomacy, not through more brutal violence."