January – Present 2026
At People to People International (PTPI), our mission has always been simple and powerful: peace through understanding and person-to-person connection.
This year carries special significance. 2026 marks the 70th year since the founding of People to People International, launched by Dwight D. Eisenhower with a clear belief that lasting peace cannot be built by governments alone. It must also be built by citizens who choose to understand one another.
When introducing the initiative, Eisenhower expressed the idea clearly:
“I have long believed that peaceful relations between nations require understanding and mutual respect between individuals.”
Seven decades later, that principle continues to guide our work.
Across cultures, generations and communities, the idea remains constant: when people meet, share experiences, and learn from one another, barriers fall and trust begins to grow.
This brief update provides a snapshot of the progress being made across our network during the first months of our 70th year.
If you are new to PTPI, welcome.
If you have been part of this journey for years, thank you for helping keep this mission alive.
Strengthening the Organisation
People to People International now operates through its international coordination office in Belgium, organised as an AISBL (international non-profit association). The organisation continues rebuilding its global infrastructure following the closure of the former United States headquarters.
Despite operating with a very modest annual budget of under €9,000, PTPI continues to maintain international coordination, chapter engagement and programme development through the dedication of volunteers and partners.
The Global Coordination Centre (GCC) continues to guide governance, support chapter activity and strengthen international partnerships as the organisation moves forward.
Youth and Education Initiatives
Engaging young people remains central to PTPI’s future.
During the first months of 2026, work has continued to develop the PTPI Youth Mobility Programme, designed to create opportunities for young people to gain international experience through exchanges, internships and educational partnerships.
Key developments include collaboration with several international partners:
• Cerca Abroad – providing international education and mobility opportunities
• Asia Institute – supporting academic and cultural exchange programmes
• Africa Our Home (AOH) – expanding youth engagement and development opportunities across West Africa
In Brussels, the PTPI Club at ACE of Brussels School has begun exploring student-led initiatives and international collaboration with potential partner schools around the world.
These efforts reflect a long-standing PTPI belief: young people who meet across cultures today become the bridge builders of tomorrow.
Global Chapter Activity
Across the world, PTPI chapters continue to organise cultural exchanges, educational programmes and community initiatives that strengthen international understanding.
Recent highlights include:
Japan
PTPI Japan is currently reconnecting with its regional partners and members as it continues reconsolidation following the pandemic.
Korea
PTPI Korea maintains one of the most active networks in the organisation, with 34 adult chapters and 37 student chapters supported by the national headquarters in Seoul.
United States – Kansas City
PTPI Greater Kansas City continues its popular Circle of Knowledge programme, bringing community members together to explore cultures from around the world.
United States – Delaware
The Delaware chapter continues to organise cultural and artistic programming that encourages dialogue and community connection.
Youth Chapters
Youth engagement continues to grow across the PTPI network, with youth chapters active in Colombia, Kosovo and the Czech Republic.
International Projects
Several projects across the PTPI network continue to demonstrate the impact of community-led action combined with international cooperation.
Kenya – Tree and Climate Education Programme
Led by Franklin Okello, the PTPI Kenya Adopt a Plant / Tree initiative has now been running for seven consecutive years, engaging more than 5,000 learners and over 100 teachers across multiple schools in environmental education and tree planting.
Armenia – Books for Every Village
This youth-led initiative aims to improve literacy in rural communities by creating mobile libraries, reading spaces and family literacy programmes.
Estonia – European Educational Cooperation
PTPI Tallinn continues its participation in European cooperation initiatives, including Erasmus+ projects addressing misinformation, media literacy and civic resilience.
A Nordplus collaboration involving partners from Finland, Estonia and Latvia is also exploring shared Nordic-Baltic culture and language heritage.
Partnerships for the Future
Building meaningful partnerships remains essential to expanding opportunities for PTPI members.
In addition to our Youth Mobility Programme partners, PTPI continues to collaborate with organisations such as World Computer Exchange, which helps expand digital access and educational opportunities in developing regions.
These partnerships strengthen PTPI’s ability to support education, cultural exchange and international dialogue.
Recognition within the United Nations Community
People to People International remains proud to be listed among the civil society organisations formally associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications, reflecting our long-standing commitment to international understanding and cooperation.
A Community Effort
None of this work would be possible without the continued support of the PTPI community.
Chapter dues and donations remain essential to maintaining the organisation’s operational continuity. They enable the international coordination office to support chapters, develop programmes and maintain the global network that connects our members.
To every chapter leader, volunteer, partner and supporter around the world: thank you for helping sustain this mission.
Looking Ahead
As we continue through this milestone year, PTPI will focus on:
• expanding the Youth Mobility Programme
• strengthening cooperation between chapters
• supporting new educational partnerships
• preparing for the PTPI Annual General Meeting on Thursday 11 September, which will be held via Zoom.
As we enter our 70th year, the message remains clear:
peace still grows person to person, community to community, and generation to generation.
