A Harrow councillor is among 35 people in Europe selected to a ‘emerging leaders’ programme started by former US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Cllr Peymana Assad, who represents Roxeth ward, will be one of six people from the UK to take part in a six-month long Obama Foundation project.

The foundation says its mission is to “inspire, empower and connect people to change their world” and the project gives leaders the chance to meet virtually to discuss issues faced in their respective fields.

Cllr Assad said she “couldn’t wait” to start and was looking forward to working with “an impressive group” to help “create local and global change”.

And Cllr Graham Henson, leader of Harrow Council, said Cllr Assad’s selection will “inspire others” in the borough to check out the foundation and get involved.

He added she is particularly proud of her achievements as someone who came to Europe from Afghanistan as a child refugee.

The latest crop of participants come from 18 countries across Europe and represent national and local governments, civil society, and the private sector.

It includes politicians in Italy and Germany, chief executives of innovative and ethical companies, and campaigners for LGBTQ rights in Belarus and Poland.