News & Publications

This spring, former President Jimmy Carter joined Pope John Paul II and former U.N. Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar as recipients of Rotary International's Award for World Understanding.

The $100,000 prize will support work in Latin America by The Council of Freely Elected Heads of Government. Based at The Carter Center of Emory University (CCEU), the Council includes 24 former and current presidents of the Americas who promote democracy, cooperation, and peace in the Western Hemisphere.

"President Carter has provided a shining example of tireless work to improve the quality of life for people everywhere," said Bill Huntley, president-elect of Rotary International. "His ongoing commitment to the promotion of peace and human rights is building a positive foundation for future generations."

Established in 1980, the annual award recognizes those whose life or work meets the Rotary ideal of community service, especially the promotion of international under-standing, goodwill, and peace.

John Hardman, M.D., executive director of The Carter Center, accepted the award on President Carter's behalf at the Rotary International Convention on June 14 in Taiwan. At an April announcement ceremony in Atlanta, Mr. Huntley presented President Carter with two types of roses for planting on the Center's grounds--white "Peace" and red "Rotary" roses.

"I am honored to be associated with Rotary International," President Carter said. "I am very grateful to accept the award on behalf of the tremendous people here at the Center. I want to thank them for their contributions to peacekeeping and promotion of democracy in Latin America."

The Council of Freely Elected Heads of Government has worked in the region since 1989, monitoring elections in Panama, the Dominican Republic, Guyana, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Paraguay. "Although democratization is a long-term and multifaceted process, elections are a critical element," said David Carroll, associate director of CCEU's Latin American and Carib-bean Program. "The Council's observers serve as impartial third parties and help all sides gain confidence in the integrity of the election process."