The Carter Center

The Carter Center
Name	The Carter Center
Founded	0 1982
Founders	Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn Carter
Location	Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Focus	Peacebuilding, Public health, Human rights
Method	Conflict resolution, Election monitoring, Disease eradication
Website	https://www.cartercenter.org

The Carter Center is a nongovernmental organization founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, adjacent to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, the organization works to advance peace and health worldwide. It operates on a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering through conflict resolution, public health intervention, and the promotion of democracy.

History and founding

The organization was established following the conclusion of the Carter administration, with the Carters envisioning an institution that would continue their commitment to humanitarian work beyond the White House. The center was built in partnership with Emory University, forming a unique academic-NGO alliance that provides a base for its research and operations. Its founding principles were deeply influenced by President Carter's experiences with international diplomacy, including the Camp David Accords, and a desire to address root causes of conflict and poverty. Early initiatives focused on mediating international disputes and observing elections in nascent democracies, establishing its reputation as a neutral and trusted actor on the global stage.

Mission and programs

The core mission is to wage peace, fight disease, and build hope by empowering people to improve their own lives. This is executed through a dual approach of both practical, on-the-ground programs and high-level advocacy. Key programmatic areas are organized around the themes of peace, health, and human rights, often working in tandem; for example, health programs may pave the way for peace dialogues in post-conflict regions. The organization emphasizes measurable results and works in close collaboration with local communities, national governments like those of Sudan and Liberia, and international bodies such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations.

Peace and conflict resolution

The center's peace programs specialize in conflict resolution and preventive diplomacy, often deploying expert teams to mediate disputes. Notable efforts include its long-term involvement in facilitating the 1995 Guinea worm ceasefire in South Sudan, which allowed health campaigns to proceed, and its work in Nepal during the peace process following the Nepalese Civil War. The Carter Center Conflict Resolution Program has also been active in Syria, Venezuela, and the Korean Peninsula, providing discreet, non-partisan channels for dialogue. It frequently issues public statements and reports on critical situations, such as those in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa.

Public health initiatives

Public health is a cornerstone, with historic campaigns targeting the eradication and elimination of neglected tropical diseases. The center leads the international campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease, reducing cases from millions annually to a handful, working closely with ministries of health across Africa. Other major initiatives include the fight against river blindness in the Americas and Africa, controlling trachoma and lymphatic filariasis, and improving mental health care through the Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism. These programs often integrate with agriculture and education efforts to improve overall community well-being in countries like Ethiopia and Nigeria.

Democracy and human rights

The organization is renowned for its international election observation missions, having monitored over 110 elections in Latin America, Africa, and Asia since 1989. These missions, like those in Indonesia, Mexico, and Ghana, assess the entire electoral process and often include mediation to prevent post-election violence. Beyond elections, the center works to strengthen civil society, promote access to information, and support human rights defenders. Its Human Rights Program focuses on the rights of women and girls, often in conjunction with figures like Desmond Tutu, and advocates for the implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Governance and leadership

Governed by a Board of Trustees, the organization is led by a Chief Executive Officer who oversees its daily operations and global staff. Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter remained actively involved in its leadership and program development for decades, with their vision continuing to guide its work. The center is funded by private donations from individuals, foundations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and corporations, alongside some government grants. Its headquarters complex in Atlanta serves as the central hub for planning, research, and the administration of its worldwide activities.

Category:Organizations based in Atlanta Category:International nongovernmental organizations Category:Humanitarian aid organizations