WASHINGTON, Dec 31 – Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away at the age of 100, was remembered worldwide as a statesman, humanitarian, and champion of peace. Tributes poured in from global leaders, reflecting his profound impact on both national and international stages.
U.S. President Joe Biden led the accolades, describing Carter as “an extraordinary leader, statesman, and humanitarian” in a statement from the White House. Speaking later on television, Biden remarked, “We’d all do well to try and be a little more like Jimmy Carter.” President-elect Donald Trump acknowledged Carter’s pivotal role during a challenging period in U.S. history, saying Americans owed him “a debt of gratitude.” Former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama also honored Carter for his efforts to promote peace, fairness, and global public health during and after his presidency.
Global leaders highlighted Carter’s influence on peace and diplomacy. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi praised his pivotal role in brokering the 1978 Camp David Accords, a peace treaty between Egypt and Israel that continues to shape stability in the Middle East. Israeli President Isaac Herzog echoed these sentiments, calling the accords “an anchor of stability” and a testament to Carter’s deep commitment to peace.
The Vatican, through Cardinal Pietro Parolin, lauded Jimmy Carter’s Christian faith-driven commitment to reconciliation, human rights, and aiding the impoverished. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described Carter as a champion of the vulnerable and an unwavering believer in the common good. Similarly, World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus acknowledged Carter’s post-presidency humanitarian efforts, particularly his foundation’s work in combating neglected tropical diseases.
European leaders also paid homage. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, emphasized Carter’s global contributions to peace and democracy, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised his role as a mediator for Middle East peace and defender of human rights. French President Emmanuel Macron highlighted Carter’s advocacy for vulnerable communities and his enduring fight for global harmony.
Global leaders pay tribute to former U.S. president Jimmy Carter
A Legacy Beyond Borders
Carter’s influence extended across continents. In Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reflected on Carter’s generosity and advice, while Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva admired his advocacy for democracy and peace, noting his pressure on Brazil’s dictatorship to release political prisoners. In Panama, President Jose Mulino credited Carter for facilitating the transfer of the Panama Canal, marking a significant milestone in the country’s sovereignty.
Even in space, Carter’s legacy endures. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson noted that the Voyager 1 probe, launched during Carter’s presidency in 1977, carries a recorded message from him that encapsulates his values of goodness and grace.
Chinese President Xi Jinping remembered Carter for normalizing U.S.-China diplomatic relations in 1978, fostering cooperation between the two nations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked him for his steadfast support in the face of Russian aggression. Meanwhile, King Charles III and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer praised Carter’s dedication to peace and humility as a source of inspiration.
As tributes continue to pour in, Jimmy Carter’s life is being celebrated not only for his presidential accomplishments from 1977 to 1981 but also for his enduring dedication to humanity, justice, and global harmony.
