Former president Jimmy Carter is stepping down from his role in the human rights group The Elders, the organization announced Wednesday.
He will hold the title of honorary “Emeritus” Elder as of June 1.
{mosads}Carter has been a member of the organization, which includes a group of global leaders working for peace and human rights, since it was founded in 2007.
He participated in the first Elders mission to Sudan in October 2007 and has played a role in every Elders delegation to the Middle East.
In May 2015, he led a delegation to Israel and Palestine to raise awareness about the humanitarian disaster in Gaza. He also participated in an Elders meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
“From the Middle East to climate change, women’s rights to superpower diplomacy, Jimmy has brought the gravitas of his Presidential office but also the passion of an activist who believes the world can, and must, be changed for the better,” Kofi Annan, chair of The Elders, said in a press release.
“The Elders would not be the organisation it is today without his drive and vision, and he will stay an inspiration for all of us for many years ahead.”