Daisaku Ikeda is a Buddhist philosopher, an educator and a prolific writer and poet. As president of the Soka Gakkai International (SGI) lay Buddhist movement, he has devoted himself to wide-ranging efforts for peace and individual empowerment, and has founded cultural, educational and peace research institutions around the world. Born in Tokyo in 1928.

Over the years, Ikeda has engaged in dialogue with many of the world's leading thinkers and leaders in search of viable responses to global problems, inspired the SGI's support of United Nations activities and written extensively on a range of issues related to peace and the human condition. He had also traveledto more than 50 countries to hold discussions with many political,culture,and educational figures, as well as to teach, support and encourage practitioners
of Nichiren Buddhism living in these countreis.