The BBC's Vera Kwakofi has been selected as a candidate for Yale University's 2022 Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Programme.

Vera Kwakofi, a Ghanaian, is a senior editor with the BBC World Service and is responsible for the corporation's international TV operations in Africa.

The 16 fellows consist of global leaders working in government, technology, journalism, international development and the arts.

Ms Kwakofi leads teams of journalists across Africa and in the UK who produce the multi-award-winning Africa Eye Investigations, as well as factual and youth content for the continent in various languages including French and Swahili.

Vera has more than 20 years of experience in international journalism and produces content across multiple platforms with a particular focus on telling African Stories to global audiences. She created the BBC Women of Africa Series, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

She actively participates in various discussion panels promoting and providing a better understanding of the Africa region.

Ms. Kwakofi holds an MSc in Consultant Management and Organisational Change from the University of London, Birkbeck College, and a BA Hons in Politics from the London Guildhall University.

She also has a diploma in journalism and mass communications from the Ghana Institute of Journalism.

Emma Sky, Director of the International Leadership Center at Yale, said: “in a time of conflict and volatility, there is an urgent need for leaders around the world who are committed to making the world more peaceful and just.”

“The 2022 World Fellows exemplify the kind of innovative and adaptive leadership that is needed in today’s world. They are tackling some of the biggest issues facing the world today with creative and disruptive thinking, doing their part to improve society, and motivating others to do the same. I am thrilled to welcome them to Yale where they will deepen their knowledge and skills while inspiring the next generation of leaders.”

The World Fellows programme is Yale University’s signature global leadership development initiative and a core element of Yale’s ongoing commitment to internationalism.

We are thrilled to announce the Class of 2022 World Fellows! 🌍 Learn about the inspiring work of these global leaders: https://t.co/YrhPcgK2Eh pic.twitter.com/EKyhhCxviR

— YaleWorldFellows (@WorldFellows) March 28, 2022

Each year, the university selects 16 individuals from a highly competitive applicant pool for an intensive four-month period of academic enrichment and leadership training.

This cohort brings the total number of World Fellows since the program’s start in 2002 to nearly 400 Fellows, representing 94 countries.

“I am honored and delighted to welcome these leaders and innovators to campus,” said Yale President Peter Salovey.

“World Fellows have improved people’s lives, and their contributions have a far-reaching influence on society. They enrich our learning environment by sharing their expertise and experiences with our students. They have the opportunity to grow academically and personally as they interact with our community. This programme is an example of Yale’s commitment to developing globally engaged leaders.”

The mission of the World Fellows Program is to enable extraordinary individuals, from across the globe and from diverse disciplines, to increase their capacity to make the world a better place.

The programme is the heart of the International Leadership Center, housed within the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs where Yale students prepare for global leadership and service through its master’s program in public policy in global affairs, master of advanced study in global affairs, and an undergraduate major in global affairs.