The center is dedicated to promoting a human rights-based approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, implementing a 2015 peace agreement in Mali, and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Syria. This work is reminiscent of the efforts that earned Jimmy Carter the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. “What I derive from this is a commitment to peace, to the honoring of international law,” Carter remarked on October 11, 2002, following the announcement of his Nobel Peace Prize win.
Building on his success as President in brokering a peace treaty between Israel and Egypt, Carter’s center has evolved into a diplomatic intermediary operating outside of official government channels. Notably, Carter himself engaged with world leaders in various countries, including North Korea, where in 1994, he played a pivotal role in establishing a pact on nuclear issues between Washington and Pyongyang.
In addition to its focus on democracy promotion and conflict resolution, the center has been actively involved in numerous global health initiatives. This includes combating diseases such as Guinea worm, river blindness, trachoma, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and malaria. Carter emphasized the importance of health care as a fundamental human right, particularly for underserved populations afflicted by disease. He stated, “Just to know that someone cares about them not only can ease their physical pain but also remove an element of alienation and anger that can lead to hatred and violence.”
The center’s efforts, alongside Carter’s extensive humanitarian work, were instrumental in the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s unanimous decision to award him the prestigious peace prize in 2002. Carter highlighted the widening wealth gap globally, attributing it to many of the world’s most pressing challenges. He expressed concern over the increasing disparity between the wealthiest and poorest individuals, both within and among nations, linking this gap to issues like starvation, illiteracy, environmental degradation, conflict, and various diseases.
Beyond his initiatives through the center, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter dedicated decades to Habitat for Humanity, actively participating in building homes for those in need. Carter recognized Habitat’s role in fostering unity among individuals from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the significance of creating bonds through the act of building homes together. He remarked, “A decent home, yes, but also a genuine bond with our fellow human beings. A bond that comes with the building up of walls and the breaking down of barriers.”
Jimmy Carter’s journey from losing his bid for reelection to becoming a Nobel Prize-winning humanitarian exemplifies his unwavering commitment to promoting peace, addressing global disparities, and advocating for human rights and health care access for all. Through his continued efforts and the work of his center, Carter has left a lasting impact on the world stage, championing causes that resonate with the core values of compassion, equality, and solidarity.
