Suu Kyi gained international prominence as the General Secretary of the newly formed National League for Democracy in Myanmar in 1990. She became one of the world's most well-known political prisoners during her 15 years of house arrest for participating in protests against the government.
Later, she was supported by her country and was appointed to the newly created role of State Counselor, a title equivalent to Prime Minister.
She will receive the Harvard Peter J. Gomes Humanitarian Award during a ceremony today.