I am deeply grateful for this honor. I want to thank the Nobel Committee and
the many people at The Carter Center who have worked side by side with me
and my wife, Rosalynn, to promote peace, health, and human rights.

People everywhere share the same dream of a caring international community
that prevents war and oppression. During the past two decades, as Rosalynn
and I traveled around the world for the work of our Center, my concept of
human rights has grown to include not only the right to live in peace, but
also to adequate health care, shelter, food, and to economic opportunity.

I hope this award reflects a universal acceptance and even embrace of this
broad-based concept of human rights.

This honor serves as an inspiration not only to us, but also to suffering
people around the world, and I accept it on their behalf.

October 11, 2002