Suggestions
David Santulli
United Planet (UP) Founder & President, Award-winning International Nonprofit: Global Citizen Leadership, Teamwork to Achieve UN SDGs, & Relational Diplomacy. “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.”
David Santulli is the Founder and President of United Planet (UP), an international non-profit organization he established in 2001.14 United Planet's mission is to create a global community, one relationship at a time, by fostering cross-cultural understanding and addressing shared challenges worldwide.4
Career and Achievements
Santulli has dedicated over 20 years to leading United Planet, which has developed and connected more than 20,000 global citizen leaders with projects in over 40 countries.2 Under his leadership, the United Planet community has collectively served over 2 million hours, valued at over $57 million, towards supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.2
In addition to his role at United Planet, Santulli has:
- Served as an Adjunct Professor at Northeastern University from 2016 to 20214
- Founded the Relational Diplomacy Institute (RDI) in 20114
- Authored the book "Relational Diplomacy: Innovations in Peacebuilding: A Case Study of Cyprus"2
Educational Background
Santulli's educational background includes:
- A Master's of International Affairs from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University
- An Executive Non-Profit Management Certificate (PMNO) from Harvard Business School/Harvard Kennedy School
- Studies at St. Louis University's International Business and Spanish Language program in Madrid, Spain
- A magna cum laude graduation from Loyola University in Baltimore, Maryland2
International Experience
Santulli has extensive international experience, including:
- Living in Tokyo, Japan for nine years as the CEO of a Tokyo-based trading company
- Traveling to over 100 nations
- Studying Spanish, Japanese, and Russian2
Philosophy and Approach
Santulli developed the concept of Relational Diplomacy, which posits that peace-building and improved intercultural relations can occur by creating a vast network of interpersonal relationships and friendships.2 This philosophy is instrumental to his work at United Planet, where he emphasizes the importance of building bridges and strengthening relationships across borders to ensure a better and safer future for all.1
In recognition of his contributions, Santulli recently received the "I Migliori in Mens et Gesta" Award and the President's Award from the Pirandello Lyceum, honoring his positive impact on society through his work with United Planet.3
