About People to People International (PTPI)

Our Origin: Inspired by President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s vision for peace, PTPI was founded in 1956 to foster world peace through personal diplomacy and non-governmental interactions. Eisenhower’s meeting with Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev in 1955 sparked the idea that citizen exchanges could bridge international divides.

Our Growth: Officially established as a non-profit in 1961 with the support of J.C. Hall, PTPI has expanded to over 160 countries. We focus on connecting individuals globally to address world issues and foster leadership for a harmonious future.

Our Milestone: In 2023, we opened the Global Chapter Coordination Centre (GCC) in Belgium, uniting our chapters under one mission. This center ensures our diverse programs operate cohesively, empowering local actions with global vision.

Our Philosophy: Embodying Eisenhower’s belief that understanding stems from the human heart, not government mandates, we strive to:

• Lead: Offering global insights and understanding
• Learn: Gaining knowledge about global cultures, trends, and needs
• Experience: Immersing in diverse cultures for personal and professional growth
• Connect: Building a network of today and tomorrow’s leaders

Our Structure: PTPI is divided into three regions: Americas, Asia, and EMEA, each contributing to our global mission.

Our Future: We’re volunteer led by a global administrative committee to oversee legal aspects and drive our mission forward, recognizing the enormity of our task.

Join Us: Share your thoughts, ideas, and comments. Be a part of our journey to create a world we can all be proud of.

“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, PTPI’s Former CEO and President