1984 Wharton graduate and Wharton Board of Advisors Chair Marc Rowan was tapped to serve on an authoritative body overseeing Gaza in former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Tony Blair's plan to end the Israel-Hamas war.
The plan — which outlined the creation of the Gaza International Transitional Authority — would establish an international board, which will serve as the “supreme political and legal authority for Gaza during the transitional period" and comprise seven to 10 members. In the document, Rowan is floated as a potential member who could bring "executive and financial expertise.”
A Rowan spokesperson declined to comment on whether he had been approached or if he is considering the role.
According to a document — which was first obtained by Haaretz — the board will consist of “at least one qualified Palestinian representative,” a senior United Nations official, and a “strong representation of Muslim members.” The plan intends for the body to issue “binding decisions,” approve legislation and major appointments, provide “strategic direction,” and report to the U.N. Security Council.
The proposal came amid mounting pressure over a resolution to the conflict in the Gaza Strip, which numerous human rights organizations and experts — including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the U.N. — have labeled as a “genocide” by Israel of the Palestinian people.
Over the past few months, several countries — including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and France — announced their support for Palestinian statehood amid escalating international backlash against the Israeli government’s actions.
Alongside Rowan, the document named U.N. Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Sigrid Kaag, Orascom TMT Investments Chairman Naguib Sawiris, and Aryeh Lightstone — who was heavily involved in the creation of the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation — as possible board members.
Blair’s plan was followed by a Monday announcement from 1968 Wharton graduate and President Donald Trump’s “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict.”
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Trump’s plan — which consists of 20 steps — included a provision establishing a “Board of Peace” that aims to govern and reconstruct the Gaza Strip. The board will be headed and chaired by Trump, along with other members, including Blair.
“This body will call on best international standards to create modern and efficient governance that serves the people of Gaza and is conducive to attracting investment,” the Sept. 30 proposal read.
In an announcement posted by the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Blair called Trump’s peace plan “the best chance of ending two years of war.”
“President Trump has put down a bold and intelligent plan which, if agreed, can end the war, bring immediate relief to Gaza, the chance of a brighter and better future for its people, while ensuring Israel’s absolute and enduring security and the release of all hostages,” the statement read.
Rowan would be a part of a group of “leading international figures with executive and financial experience.” The board will consist of approximately seven to 10 members, and members are nominated by contributing states and confirmed through a process coordinated by the U.N., according to the Times of Israel.
In fall 2024, Rowan called for the resignation of Penn administrators due to their response to the Palestine Writes Literature Festival and orchestrated the growing political and donor pressure that culminated in former Penn President Liz Magill resigning from her post.
In November 2024, Rowan was reportedly in consideration for the role of the treasury secretary in Trump’s second administration. The role was later filled by Scott Bessent.
