Zen Master Thich Huyen Dieu, 
India/Nepal

Venerable Thich Huyen Dieu has had a significant influence on Buddhism both domestically and internationally. He holds a Doctorate in Religious Studies from Sorbonne University, France. After graduating from Sorbonne University (France), Venerable Huyen Dieu taught in various places and engaged in Buddhist activities. He founded and served as the abbot of the Vietnam Buddhist Temple in India. He was also the first foreigner to be granted two plots of land by Nepal to build the Vietnam Buddhist Temple - the first international temple in the Lumbini Garden, where the Buddha was born. Additionally, he serves as the President of the International Buddhist Federation in Lumbini. He initiated and called on the global Buddhist community to restore Buddhist relics in Nepal and India. 

Venerable Thich Huyen Dieu played a leading role in persuading both the Maoist guerrilla forces and the government of Nepal to sit at the negotiation table, sign a peace agreement, and end nearly a decade-long conflict in Nepal. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Nepal but declined the nomination