Advancing Peace Through Understanding 

Our members embody the best of what we envision for the world when the world is at its best

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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

🇺🇸 PTPI Delaware – Empowering Women in Togo

🇺🇸 PTPI Delaware – Empowering Women in Togo

🇺🇸 PTPI Delaware – Empowering Women in Togo Through Do More 24 March 5–6, 2026 PTPI Delaware is participating in Do More 24, Delaware’s statewide 24-hour giving campaign, to support a women’s cooperative in Togo, West Africa. In many rural communities in Togo, women...

🌍 PTPI Youth Mobility 2026

🌍 PTPI Youth Mobility 2026

Structured Global Pathways for High School & University Students People to People International is activating structured Youth Mobility pathways for 2026 and beyond. This is not tourism.This is supervised, credit-aligned, globally relevant engagement. We are...

Connections – Newsletter

Connections – Newsletter

PTPI Connections | 1 March 2026 February has been a month of strong groundwork and structural progress at People to People International (PTPI). We are building carefully. We are building sustainably. And we are building for the next generation. Youth Mobility...

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