Director, Extractive Industries and Human Development Center
Dr. Pirio has been a global leader in the use of communications and the media for constructive social change. His professional activities have focused on an array of global health, conflict resolution, behavior change communications, media development and youth empowerment, among others. He has undertaken these activities in partnership with international organizations, bilateral organizations and international NGOs. He has also devised communication strategies for numerous health ministries.
Dr. Pirio has published extensively on public health and political issues including jihadism and peacebuilding. He also has extensive experience in journalism, media production and broadcasting as well as in business development, having led teams of broadcast journalists at the Voice of America in producing daily radio shows and video documentaries.
Dr. Pirio has worked professionally in more than 30 countries, working in English, Portuguese, French and Spanish. He has a Ph.D. in African History and a M.A. in African Studies (Both achieved from UCLA).