Jimmy Carter's Humanitarian Cause

A deeply heartfelt tribute to Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States of America (USA) and a world-renowned humanitarian, who passed away on December 30, 2024. Carter, a figure I grew up admiring, will always be remembered with reverence. As a high school student in the late 1970s, presidential elections and international news fascinated me. With my father being a Supreme Court lawyer and a politician, politics was a frequent topic of discussion at home. The elections in the world’s largest democracy sparked immense curiosity. During this time, Nepal was also preparing for the people’s movement, adding to the political fervour.

I followed Jimmy Carter’s election campaigns and victory through the BBC World Service, which broadcasted via shortwave radio then. Nepal did not have television or internet services at that time. BBC world service, Radio Nepal and Akash Vani were my main source of world information. Carter became the president of the USA in 1977 and served until 1981. His speeches and commitment to soft diplomacy left a lasting impression on me. His rise from being a peanut farmer in Georgia to becoming the most powerful person in the world was particularly inspiring, as I came from a nation governed by hereditary monarchs rather than elected leaders. When I listened to the background of the man contesting for the presidency of the USA and the fact that he had work long hours in the farm to make his living it inspired me a lot. 

Humanitarian cause

Carter’s simple yet powerful slogan, “Trust me,” resonated deeply. His presidency stood in stark contrast to the preceding Watergate scandal, which had tarnished the democratic values upheld by the USA. True to his word, Carter governed with honesty and soft diplomacy, principles that remained his strength. When he was defeated by Ronald Reagan in 1981, I was deeply disappointed. However, my admiration for him only grew as his post-presidential work demonstrated his dedication to humanitarian causes. Alongside his wife Rosalynn, who passed away shortly before him, Carter founded the Carter Centre. Their work uplifted the lives of countless individuals not just in the USA but across the globe.

On December 30, 2024, Carter passed away at the age of 100, becoming the longest-lived president in U.S. history and the first to reach the milestone of a century. His legacy as a statesman and humanitarian is celebrated worldwide, with tributes pouring in from both Democrats and Republicans. During Carter’s presidency, the USA grappled with the aftermath of the Watergate scandal, an oil crisis, high inflation, and unemployment. Despite these challenges, he achieved significant milestones. In 1978, he brokered the Camp David Accords, leading Egypt to formally recognise Israel. He also signed the treaty returning the Panama Canal to Panama.

However, international crises overshadowed his tenure. The overthrow of the Shah of Iran led to the hostage crisis in Tehran, where 66 U.S.A. citizens were held captive. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan further complicated matters. The U.S.A. boycott of the 1980 Moscow Olympics and a failed hostage rescue operation dented Carter’s popularity, contributing to his defeat in the 1981 election. In a BBC interview, when asked if he regretted losing his re-election bid, Carter smiled and said that while his wife Rosalynn did, he himself would not change a thing of his life. He found immense satisfaction in the humanitarian work he pursued after his presidency. He said that if he had won the second term he would be happy but he does not regret the life he has made possible after his presidency. 

The Carter Centre became a beacon of hope, engaging in election monitoring and health programmes worldwide. Under its initiatives, diseases like guinea worm and river blindness were nearly eradicated. Carter’s diplomatic efforts were equally impactful — he contributed to peace processes in the Middle East, facilitated dialogues in North Korea, and brokered agreements in Haiti and Bosnia. In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless efforts to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts. Even in his later years, his influence remained strong, exemplified by Fidel Castro allowing Carter to broadcast live to Cuban audiences, despite anticipating criticism of Cuba’s civil rights record.

As the world prepares for his funeral on January 9, 2025, love and admiration for Jimmy Carter pour in from across the globe. He was more than a leader; he was a humanitarian who lived his life in service of others. Jimmy Carter’s work as a politician and humanitarian reflects his unwavering belief in human dignity and the potential for positive change. His humble beginnings as a farmer and his steadfast adherence to truth distinguished him as a unique and inspiring leader. One of Carter’s most commendable initiatives, alongside his wife Rosalynn, was their involvement in Habitat for Humanity. 

Affordable housing

Witnessing poverty in some of the wealthiest areas of the USA, Carter personally contributed to building homes for the underprivileged, performing labour-intensive work himself. This initiative inspired a global movement to construct affordable housing for those in need. Carter’s dedication extended to advocating for human rights, combating poverty, and mediating conflicts in often-overlooked regions. He was also a passionate advocate for climate change awareness, showcasing his enduring commitment to a better world. His work and compassion for humanity serve as a timeless example for today’s world leaders

I close with a quote from his presidential acceptance speech that remains profoundly relevant: “War may sometimes be a necessary evil. But no matter how necessary, it is always an evil, never a good. We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each other’s children.”

(Sharma is a senior journalist and women’s rights advocate. namrata1964@yahoo.com or on X @NamrataSharmaP.)