Our History
The Birth of a Vision
People to People International (PTPI) was born out of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s profound vision for peace and international understanding. Inspired by his historic meeting with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in 1955, Eisenhower realized that fostering relationships between everyday citizens could bridge global divides. Guided by this belief, PTPI was founded in 1956 to promote peace through personal diplomacy and grassroots interactions.
Our Growth and Global Reach
Officially established as a nonprofit in 1961 with the backing of J.C. Hall, founder of Hallmark Cards, PTPI has grown into a dynamic network spanning over 160 countries. For decades, PTPI has focused on uniting individuals worldwide, addressing critical global challenges, and nurturing leadership for a more harmonious and connected world.
A New Chapter: The Global Coordination Centre
In 2023, PTPI entered a new era by transitioning its headquarters to Brussels, Belgium. The establishment of the Global Coordination Centre (GCC) marked a significant milestone in our history. Brussels, with its diverse cultural and global outlook, provides the perfect hub for coordinating our chapters worldwide. The GCC ensures that PTPI remains agile and focused, empowering chapters to lead meaningful actions locally while advancing our mission globally.
President Eisenhower’s belief in the transformative power of personal connections remains the heart of PTPI. His vision, rooted in understanding and collaboration, continues to inspire:
Lead: Sharing global perspectives and fostering leadership.
Learn: Gaining cultural insights and addressing global challenges.
Experience: Immersing in cross-cultural exchanges for personal growth.
Connect: Building a network of global citizens and future leaders.
Our Guiding Philosophy
Our Global Structure
To further our mission, PTPI operates through a Regional Structure encompassing the Americas, Asia, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa). This framework strengthens our global impact while allowing chapters to remain locally focused and engaged.
As a volunteer-led organization, PTPI’s strength lies in the dedication and passion of its members. Guided by a global administrative team, we continue to advance Eisenhower’s legacy, recognizing the magnitude of creating and sustaining peace in a complex world.
Our Future: Powered by Volunteers
Join Our Journey
PTPI is not just an organization; it’s a movement driven by individuals who believe in a better, more connected world. We invite you to join us, contribute your ideas, and become part of this extraordinary journey to foster understanding and build lasting relationships across cultures.
“Granddad felt very strongly that everyday citizens of the world wanted peace and could attain it much more effectively without government interference or representation. Having seen the slow impact government had, he realized that world peace and understanding had to come from the soul of human nature and that governments could not dictate the human heart, only reflect it.”
~ Mary Jean Eisenhower, Former CEO and President of PTPI