🌍 Culture Connects Us | #WorldCulturalDiversityDay On May 21, the world celebrated cultural diversity, dialogue, and development—and at People to People International, we live this every day. From Danish members in homestays across Japan, to climate conversations in...
Advancing Peace Through Understanding
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The Origins of People to People International (PTPI)
People to People International (PTPI) was founded on September 11, 1956, by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who envisioned a world where peace could be advanced through personal connections between everyday citizens. He believed in the power of citizen diplomacy – that understanding and dialogue between individuals could lead to stronger, more peaceful international relations.
From the beginning, PTPI was supported by a group of extraordinary visionaries, including J.C. Hall (founder of Hallmark Cards), Bob Hope (entertainer and humanitarian), Walt Disney, and Charles M. Schulz (creator of Peanuts), who each contributed their creativity and global influence to promote PTPI’s mission.
Over the decades, PTPI has touched communities in over 160 countries, fostering youth leadership, international friendship, cultural exchange, and community service. Our programs have helped individuals connect across borders, build lasting relationships, and work together to solve shared global challenges.
In 2023, PTPI entered a new chapter with the opening of our Global Chapter Coordination Centre (GCC) in Brussels, Belgium – a central hub designed to support and connect our global network of chapters, volunteers, and partners.
Today, People to People International remains committed to advancing peace through understanding, championing inclusive dialogue, and empowering individuals everywhere to be global citizens and change-makers.
Explore our news & events
Connection in Action | News, Stories & Support from PTPI
🌍 Connection in Action | News, Stories & Support from PTPI “Peace and friendship are not a product of words, but of deeds.”— President Dwight D. Eisenhower, PTPI Founder Dear PTPI Members and Friends, As summer unfolds, so does the heartbeat of PTPI—across every...
Reconnecting Through Experience, One Human Story at a Time
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE4 July 2025 People to People International (PTPI): Reconnecting Through Experience, One Human Story at a Time Brussels, Belgium — In a time when conflict dominates headlines and divisions deepen, People to People International (PTPI) is doubling...
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