As the nation and the world reflect on the legacy of President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, we take a moment to revisit his remarks over the years at the University of Maryland. The Anwar Sadat Chair for Peace and Development has been honored to host President Carter and engage with him for over three decades.

In 1998, the Sadat Chair had the distinct privilege of hosting President Carter as he delivered the Sadat Lecture for Peace, commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Camp David Accords. His remarks were deeply personal and revealing, offering new insights into the negotiations, his views on Egypt’s President Anwar Sadat and Israel’s Prime Minister Menachem Begin, as well as the role of Saudi Arabia. He also shared his perspective on Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

➡ [Read President Carter’s 1998 Sadat Lecture for Peace remarks]

➡ [Watch the full video of his 1998 remarks on C-SPAN]

In 2018, President Carter shared remarks for the Sadat Forum marking the 40th anniversary of the Camp David Accords. While he celebrated the peace achieved, he also expressed his "lingering disappointment" that the Palestinian issue remained unresolved:

"I must point out that our aspirations at Camp David were greater than what has been achieved. The Accords included both the bilateral understandings between Egypt and Israel and a framework for resolving 'the Palestinian problem in all its aspects.' While Israeli-Egyptian peace was essential, I always believed that the Palestinian issue was fundamental to achieving a comprehensive peace in the region—and for Israel to survive as a democratic state."

➡ [Read President Carter’s remarks to the Sadat Forum (2018)]

In 2021, President Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter shared brief remarks in memory of Dr. Jehan Sadat, the late wife of President Anwar Sadat, with whom they had a warm and lasting friendship.

➡ [Read President Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s remarks on Dr. Jehan Sadat]

As we reflect on President Carter’s enduring legacy, his words and actions continue to inspire future generations.

Photo is by Carter Center