Our Story
For nearly seven decades, People to People International (PTPI) has been building bridges of friendship across cultures. Founded in 1956 by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower with a vision of “peace through understanding,” PTPI connects everyday citizens worldwide through programs in leadership, cultural exchange, and community service. Today, PTPI’s network has touched over 160 countries, inspiring youth and adults to collaborate as friends and partners in peace.
Founded on a Vision of Peace (1956)
President Eisenhower had witnessed the devastation of war and believed ordinary citizens — not just governments — could find a better path to peace. He recognized that promoting understanding and mutual respect between people of different nations was essential for achieving peaceful international relations. On September 11, 1956, Eisenhower launched People to People International by convening a White House conference of 100 American leaders, kickstarting an initiative centered on person-to-person diplomacy and cultural exchange.
Notable early contributors at this founding meeting included businessman J.C. Hall (founder of Hallmark Cards), beloved comedian Bob Hope, and visionary Walt Disney — with Disney even serving as one of PTPI’s first directors. Together, they set PTPI on its mission to foster friendship and understanding across borders.
Global Reach and Impact
In the decades that followed, PTPI grew from that initial gathering into a worldwide movement. The organization expanded its outreach to over 160 countries, connecting individuals from diverse cultures to learn from one another and form lasting friendships. PTPI’s programs focus on leadership development, cultural exchange, and community service — from youth leadership seminars to international homestays and volunteer projects — all aimed at breaking down barriers and nurturing mutual understanding.
By engaging people in these activities, PTPI empowers everyday citizens to serve their communities and become effective leaders and peacebuilders in a more harmonious, inclusive world.
A New Chapter in Belgium (2023)
In 2023, PTPI took another step forward by opening its Global Chapter Coordination Centre (GCC) in Brussels, Belgium. This new hub serves as a central support center for PTPI’s international chapter network, enabling local chapters around the world to share resources, coordinate activities, and strengthen their impact together.
With this development at the heart of Europe, our global community of volunteers is more connected than ever, carrying PTPI’s message of friendship and peace into the future. Through it all, PTPI remains true to its founding values — promoting understanding, forging personal connections, embracing inclusion, and advancing peace among all people.
People to People International — Advancing Peace Through Understanding
