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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.
Why civic and NGO leaders must treat belonging as a strategic asset We are living through a quiet structural failure. Loneliness is rising. Trust in institutions is declining. Youth disengagement is increasing. Polarisation is accelerating. Yet most public debate...
Dear Global PTPI Family, As we move steadily into 2026, I wanted to share a short but important update. We are making strong and measurable progress across our global network. Governance structures are stabilising, partnerships are growing, and key programme areas are...
People to People International (PTPI) is relaunching its Youth Mobility Program, reaffirming our long-standing belief that peace is built when young people learn, live, and work across cultures. Building on decades of experience in citizen diplomacy, PTPI’s Youth...
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