BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- The Dalai Lama, an international human rights activist, religious figure and exiled leader of Tibet, is set to visit Birmingham on a pilgrimage in 2014.

AL.com/The Birmingham News has learned that the 78-year-old Nobel Peace Prize recipient will spend two days here in October.

This would be the Buddhist monk's first visit to Birmingham and Alabama. The visit confirmation just received by the city comes after months of planning.

"For an international figure like the Dalai Lama to come to Birmingham will draw international attention to our city," Birmingham Mayor William Bell told The Birmingham News in an interview.

Bell said the city has worked to raise its international presence from both an economic and cultural standpoint and the Dalai Lama's visit advances those efforts.

More than his Buddhist background, the Dalai Lama in the U.S. is widely associated with his stance on human rights and a non-violent independence campaign for Tibet.

Organizers received confirmation of the visit from Tenzin Taklha, the Dalai Lama's senior aide. Bell said the Dalai Lama has agreed to an extended stay in the city, and organizers plan a gathering with the Dalai Lama and other religious leaders.

"We've discussed having one large public appearance and there may be two, and then private meetings," Bell said.

Bell said the city originally reached out to the Dalai Lama as part of this year's 50th anniversary commemoration of 1963 civil rights activities. While the Dalai Lama could not participate this year, Bell said the conversation continued and the invitation remained. Officials at UAB worked alongside the city, Bell said.

Bell said the city is working to secure the right venue for the expected crowd. A large rally with the Dalai Lama would be a rare occurrence, as he is semi-retired and generally declines large audiences. Birmingham could be an exception.

"We had discussions with him as to what size venue, and they said whatever size we had they would fill it up," Bell said. "That put into play a number of facilities. We're just happy to know that he is coming and to know that the plans are starting to unfold."

While details of his itinerary are not yet complete, organizers and observers call the Dalai Lama's visit a significant endorsement of Birmingham's pivotal role in civil and human rights.

Shortly after he assumed the full authority of his post, the Chinese government invaded Tibet. The Dalai Lama and other Tibetans later fled into exile in northern India where he remains.

The Dalai Lama was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal which was presented by former President George Bush.

Ahmad Ward, head of education and exhibition at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, said the Dalai Lama's visit ranks among the most significant from the standpoint of international human rights. Ward recalled past visits of South Africa's Bishop Desmond Tutu and Winnie Mandela.

"They understand what happened here 50 years ago, and a lot of the people who are trying to fight oppression in their countries have used the Birmingham model," Ward said. "That's why this city is a beacon for international visitors."

Additionally, Ward said the Dalai Lama's visit could bring more attention to the city by those who follow the leader's activities but aren't yet familiar with Birmingham's story. They'll learn that history through the Dalai Lama's travels, Ward said.

"He's not just going to come to any city just to be going. He has a full understanding of the impact the kids (of Birmingham) walking through the streets had on the world, not just America," Ward said. "It just proves what we've been trying to say here at the Civil Rights Institute, that Birmingham is an iconic city when it comes to civil and human rights."