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.

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Connections

Connections

Hello Peacebuilders, One of our recent Monday Lifts reflected on a simple truth: progress often happens quietly, long before it becomes visible. Most of the work that matters is steady, thoughtful, and behind the scenes. At People to People International, that is very...

What We Can Learn from Denmark

What We Can Learn from Denmark

What We Can Learn from Denmark: Why Mental Health Starts with the World Around Us In recent years, many countries have begun to take mental health more seriously, and rightly so. But Denmark offers a particularly valuable lesson: mental health is not only improved...

Keep PTPI Connected

Keep PTPI Connected

A simple €5/month Backbone Support that keeps our core operations running steadily and transparently. Your €5/month funds the infrastructure that keeps our global network active, safe, and reliable. Become a €5/month Backbone Supporter - Give page> What €5/month...

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We operate business hours on week days. You can always contact us by email or cell phone.
Our Helpdesk is staffed Tuesday to Thursday and email is answered seven days a week. Many of our services are operated by AI.