The Maurice R. Greenberg World Fellows Program has named its 2023 class of World Fellows. These 16 extraordinary individuals consist of global leaders working in the environment, government, technology, conflict-resolution, international development, and business, around the world. They include a Chinese climate communicator, an Indian social entrepreneur, and an Ivorian development economist.

“In an era of great power competition, we are committed to bringing to Yale inspiring and accomplished professionals from around the world who are dedicated to de-escalating tensions, finding areas of cooperation, and shifting paradigms,” said Emma Sky, director of the International Leadership Center at Yale. “The 2023 World Fellows have the skills, experience, and aptitude to address the great challenges of our time and to mentor our students.”

The World Fellows program is Yale University’s signature global leadership development initiative and a core element of Yale’s ongoing commitment to internationalism. 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 over 400 Fellows, representing 96 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 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 program 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 program is the heart of the International Leadership Center, housed within the Jackson School of 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 undergraduate major in global affairs.