Greg Mortenson is an American professional speaker, writer, veteran, and former mountaineer known for his humanitarian efforts and contributions to education in Central Asia. Mortenson was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota, U.S., and has made significant impacts through his non-profit organizations and writing.

He co-founded the Central Asia Institute and initiated the educational charity Pennies for Peace. Mortenson is well-recognized for his best-selling books, Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, Not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan. These works not only gained widespread acclaim but also sparked important conversations on educational provisions in conflict zones.

However, Mortenson's career was not without controversy. He faced accusations of financial irregularities concerning the handling of donations to the Central Asia Institute and was criticized for falsehoods in his books. In 2012, after an inquiry by the Montana Attorney General, Mortenson repaid $1 million to the CAI, with the inquiry finding that he had improperly used over $6 million of the organization's funds. Despite these challenges, no criminal activity was discovered.

Mortenson's contributions to education, particularly in Pakistan and Afghanistan, are undeniable. He has established over 131 schools in rural and often volatile regions, providing education to over 58,000 children. His work has left an enduring impact on many communities, demonstrating the power of education in fostering peace and understanding.