Andrea Cairola is Programme Specialist at the Division for Freedom of Expression, Democracy and Peace of the Communication and Information Sector at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, the UN agency with the mandate to promote freedom of expression. Andrea has been dealing with dossiers related to assistance to media in post-conflict areas and countries in transition (Afghanistan, Angola, Balkans, Burundi, Central African Republic, Nepal, Rwanda, Uganda and Somalia), as well as with technical assistance in drafting media legislative frameworks and promoting freedom of information. Andrea worked for UNESCO also posted in Kabul, Afghanistan, and in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
Before joining UNESCO, Andrea worked as an investigative journalist for both print media and television and as a filmmaker. He authored documentaries for major international broadcasters such as "The Prime Minister and the Press" (Wide Angle/PBS) and award-winning "Citizen Berlusconi" (produced by a pool of European broadcasters). He has achieved a five-year degree in Economics at Bocconi University in Milan with final dissertation in International Relations, and a Master degree in International Journalism at City University in London.