Dharamshala: Yesterday, on 9 January 2024, a state funeral was held at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., to honour the late former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who passed away last month at the age of 100. The memorial paid tribute not only to his remarkable life but also to his enduring legacy, particularly his steadfast advocacy for human rights—both during his presidency (1977–1981) and throughout his post-presidential career.
President Carter was one of the first U.S. leaders to publicly acknowledge the human rights abuses in Tibet and maintained a close friendship with His Holiness the Dalai Lama. As a result, the Tibetan leadership and people have expressed their condolences to his family. In His message, His Holiness the Dalai Lama wrote, “The Tibetan people and I remain forever grateful to President Carter for his deep concern for the situation in Tibet and for his efforts to alleviate the suffering of our people.”
Similarly, the Central Tibetan Administration, including Sikyong Penpa Tsering and Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel, conveyed their sorrow at the passing of the late Nobel laureate.
Sikyong Penpa Tsering shared his heartfelt condolences, describing President Carter as “a close friend of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and a towering figure whose life was dedicated to advocating for peace, justice, and human rights worldwide.”
“President Carter’s principled leadership shone through even in politically challenging times, whether by supporting His Holiness’s presence in the United States or by courageously addressing the human rights violations endured by Tibetan people. As a President, he displayed remarkable moral courage and foresight and as a Nobel Laureate, he exemplified the values of peace and justice,” Sikyong Penpa Tsering wrote.
Sikyong also highlighted the shared ideals between President Carter and His Holiness in his letter, stating both believed deeply in peace and the rights of all people. “His Holiness has often spoken of his admiration for President Carter’s tireless efforts to assist the poor and oppressed, particularly through The Carter Center, which has improved countless lives around the globe.”
Sikyong concluded, “We mourn the loss of a man who committed his life to the wellbeing of others and lived a truly meaningful life. We remain ever grateful for his steadfast support to the Tibetan people. His noble legacy will be remembered with profound admiration.”
On 30 December 2024, the leadership and staff of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) held a prayer service to mourn the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. In tribute, the CTA offices were closed that afternoon.
