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{{undisclosed paid|date=August 2021}}
{{multiple issues|
{{Underlinked|date=July 2013}}
{{Orphan|date=July 2013}}
{{copy edit|date=February 2015}}
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{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Walid Harfouch / Valid Arfush
| name = Walid Harfouch
| image = Walid Harfouch New.jpg
| residence = [[Kiev]], {{UKR}}
| caption =
| image = Walid Harfouch.JPG
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1971|4|10|df=y}}
| image_size =
| birth_place = [[Tripoli, Lebanon]]
| image_title =
| citizenship = Ukrainian
| name_at_birth = Walid Harfouch /Valid Arfush
| title = Vice President of [[Euronews]]<br>President of HDFashion & LifeStyle
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1971|4|10|df=y}}
| children =
| birth_place = {{LBN}}
| ethnicity = [[Lebanese people|Lebanese]]
| citizenship = [[Ukraine|Ukrainian]]
| occupation = Head of [[Euronews]] in CIS countries, media, public life
| children = 4 children
}}
}}


'''Walid Harfouch''' is an international television manager, producer and public figure. He serves as the Vice President of the international TV channel [[Euronews]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Валида Арфуша назначили вице-президентом канала Euronews |url=https://strana.today/news/237590-izdatel-zhurnala-paparazzi-valid-arfush-stal-vitse-prezidentom-euronews.html |access-date=2023-02-26 |website=strana.today |language=ru}}</ref> President of the HDFashion & Lifestyle TV channel, and co-founder of the Super-Nova radio station and the Paparazzi magazine.
[[File:Walid Harfouch - During an official visit to the United States Bill Clinton to Ukraine, 1995.jpg|thumb|upright|right|During an official visit to the United States Bill Clinton to Ukraine, 1995]]

[[File:Walid Harfouch - presents UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, a symbolic sign of the "Red Tape", 2002.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Walid Harfouch presents UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, a symbolic sign of the "Red Tape", 2002]]
In August 2011, Harfouch initiated the Ukrainian version of the Euronews TV channel.<ref>{{Cite web|title=В Украине запустили украиноязычную версию Euronews|url=https://lb.ua/society/2011/08/24/111801_v_ukraine_zapustili_ukrainoyazichn.html|access-date=2020-10-28|website=LB.ua|date=24 August 2011 }}</ref>

He is recognized as the first [[United Nations]] Goodwill Ambassador authorized to combat [[HIV/AIDS|AIDS]] in Ukraine and is the founder of the NGO "SOS Racism!"

For over 10 years, Walid Harfouch has been dedicatedly practicing yoga.

== Biography ==
[[File:Walid Harfouch - During an official visit to the United States Bill Clinton to Ukraine, 1995.jpg|thumb|upright|right|During an official visit by Bill Clinton to Ukraine, 1995]]
Walid Harfouch was born on 10 April 1971 in [[Tripoli, Lebanon]]. His father, Adnan Harfouch, a professor of Arabic literature, and his mother, Najwa El Hajj, a school director. He has an elder brother, [[Omar Harfouch|Omar]] and a sister, Hind.

In 1988, Harfouch completed his education at the College des Freres. Subsequently, in 1990, his brother Omar invited him to Ukraine. The following year, he was admitted into the Faculty of Journalism at the [[Oles Honchar Dnipro National University]].
[[File:Walid Harfouch with Leonid Kuchma, 1997.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Walid Harfouch with Leonid Kuchma, 1997]]
[[File:Walid Harfouch with Leonid Kuchma, 1997.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Walid Harfouch with Leonid Kuchma, 1997]]
[[File:Walid Harfouch - An international team of radio "Super Nova".jpg|thumb|upright|right|Walid Harfouch - An international team of radio "Super Nova"]]
[[File:Omar and Walid Harfouch.jpg|thumb|Omar and Walid Harfouch]]
[[File:Walid Harfouch - During the protest march "SOS! Racism", 2007.JPG|thumb|upright|right|During the protest march "SOS! Racism", 2007]]
[[File:Walid Harfouch - Thanks on behalf of the UN Office in Ukraine.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Thanks on behalf of the UN Office in Ukraine, and all those who are involved in the fight against HIV / AIDS worldwide]]
[[File:Walid Harfouch, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, Pier Luigi Malesani (Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Euronews) and Michael Peters (CEO of Euronews).jpg|thumb|upright|right|Walid Harfouch, Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, Pier Luigi Malesani (Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Euronews) and Michael Peters (CEO of Euronews)]]
[[File:Walid Harfouch with Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, Pier Luigi Malesani.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Euronews management meets with President Viktor Yanukovych]]
[[File:Walid Harfouch - During the presentation of the Ukrainian version of Euronews.jpg|thumb|upright|right|During the presentation of the Ukrainian version of Euronews: Michael Peters, Walid Harfouch and Anna Herman]]


In 1995, Harfouch relocated to Kiev, where he ventured into the media sector.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}}
'''Walid Harfouch''' is the Head of [[Euronews]] in CIS countries.
He is also the President of the Coordination Council of the Ukrainian version of Euronews. In 2001, he was appointed as a first best will ambassador of [[United Nations]], as commissioned to fight Sida in [[Ukraine]]. He founded the public association “SOS Racism!”
Nowadays, he is one of the most known personalities of show business in Ukraine. He has organized with his brother [[Omar Harfouche]] international competitions of beauty like [[Elite Model Look]] and [[Miss Europe]].
He is the founder of one of the first Ukrainian FM radio stations “Super-Nova”; he is also, with his brother Omar Harfouche, the editor of the magazine people “PaparaZZI”.


During 2003, Harfouch and his brother launched the Paparazzi magazine, focusing on the lives of show business celebrities and policymakers.<ref>{{cite web|title=ПапараZZи - Главная страница|url=http://www.paparazzi.com.ua|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130729204151/http://www.paparazzi.com.ua/|archivedate=2013-07-29|accessdate=2013-07-18|publisher=Paparazzi.com.ua}}</ref>
Born on April 10, 1971 in [[Tripoli, Lebanon]]
His father, Mr. Adnan Harfouche, professor of Arabic literature, his mother Najwa El Hajj, school director. He has one elder brother, Omar and one elder sister Hind.


Additionally, in 2005, he published the book "Sex, Murder, a Million".<ref>{{cite web|title=Юптсь Бюкхд - Sex. Сахиярбн. Лхккхнм (Бюкхд Юптсь) / Пнлюмш / Опнгю.Пс - Мюжхнмюкэмши Яепбеп Янбпелеммни Опнгш|url=http://www.proza.ru/2011/09/06/970|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230232255/http://www.proza.ru/2011/09/06/970|archivedate=2013-12-30|accessdate=2013-07-18|publisher=Proza.ru}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Harfouch|first=Walid|title=Sex. Murder. Million|publisher=Folio|year=2005|isbn= 966-03-3239-4|location=|pages=}}</ref>
In 1988, Walid Harfouche has terminated the secondary education school (College Of Freres) and 2 years later, in 1990, he went to Ukraine according to his brother’s invitation, Omar . Together, they were among the first strangers who came to reside in the city of [[Dniepropetrovsk]]- a city whereas no strangers’ entrance during the Soviet period, and being reopened, according to the perestroika of [[Mikhail Gorbatchev]].
In 1991 Walid Harfouche was admitted in the faculty of journalism at the State University of Dniepropetrovsk.


In 2006, Harfouch and his brother acquired the rights to organize three Miss Europe beauty contests. The first of these took place in October 2006 in Kyiv at the [[Palace "Ukraine"|National Palace "Ukraine"]] and was broadcast in 12 European countries. Notably, 34 contestants from various European countries participated in the competition "[[Miss Europe 2006|Miss Europe - 2006]]", with Ukraine represented by Olena Avramenko who secured the title of the first vice-miss of Europe.
==Radio==


== Television ==
In 1995, Walid Harfouche and his brother Omar left Dniepropetrovsk to [[Kiev]], whereas they founded one of the first FM radio stations “Super-Nova”<ref>{{cite web|author=Borys L. Skurativsky |url=http://www.proradio.org.ua/memory.html |title=У пам'ять про... (Українські радіостанції, яких вже немає) |publisher=Proradio.org.ua |date= |accessdate=2013-07-18}}</ref>
=== TET TV channel ===
The collaboration with [[Radio France International|RFI]] (Radio France International )<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rfi.fr/ |title=Actualités, info, news en direct - Radio France Internationale - RFI |publisher=Rfi.fr |date= |accessdate=2013-07-18}}</ref> has allowed the appearance on Supernova antenna, of broadcastings and radio news in [[French language|French]], [[English language|English]] and [[Arabic]], in addition to [[Russian language|Russian]] and [[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]] . The radio became well known to the public according to the active participation to the actions of communication and cultural exhibitions of all kind whereas it was often the initiator. It collaborated directly with the French Institute in Ukraine and the French embassy in Ukraine. “Super-Nova broadcast the first reports (live intervention) of the Cannes Film International festival. During few years “Super –Nova” transmitted the program “Depoutatsky tchas” (“The hour of Deputies”) whereas a lot of representatives of the Ukrainian parliament participated. All these activities allowed Walid Harfouche to become a quasi known personality in the field of Media and politic.
In August 2007, Harfouch assumed the role of the general producer of [[TET (TV channel)|TET TV]] channel, one of Ukraine's earliest private TV channels. His key objectives in this capacity were to enhance the channel's ratings, broaden its audience base, and revitalize its programming with new shows like Miss CIS.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2007-08-21|title=Валид Арфуш: "Зрители будут переключаться на ТЕТ не только тогда, когда идет "Дом-2""|url=https://detector.media/production/article/9388/2007-08-21-valid-arfush-zriteli-budut-pereklyuchatsya-na-tet-ne-tolko-togda-kogda-idet-dom-2/|access-date=2020-10-28|website=detector.media|language=uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Валид Арфуш стал генпродюсером ТЕТ|url=https://ukraine.segodnya.ua/ukraine/valid-arfush-ctal-henprodjucerom-tet-67764.html|access-date=2020-10-28|website=ukraine.segodnya.ua|language=ru}}</ref>


=== First national channel ===
==Beauty competition==
Between March 2010 and June 2013, Walid Harfouch served as the Deputy General Director of the Ukrainian public broadcaster [[UA:PBC|NTKU]]. Overseeing the development of music and entertainment projects, as well as establishing international collaborations for the First National.<ref>{{cite web|title=Керівництво - Перший Національний канал|url=http://1tv.com.ua/uk/faces/management|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801061050/http://1tv.com.ua/uk/faces/management|archivedate=2013-08-01|accessdate=2013-07-18|publisher=1tv.com.ua}}</ref>


=== Euronews and other channels ===
Between 1998-2000, Walid Harfouche with his brother Omar Harfouche represented the interests of Elite agency in Ukraine. They became the official organizers of the international competition of models Elite Model Look.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elitemodel-world.com/ |title=Elite Model World |publisher=Elite Model World |date= |accessdate=2013-07-18}}</ref>
In October 2010, Harfouch took on the role of the President of the Coordinating Council of the Ukrainian version of [[Euronews]].


On 2 August 2011, in Lyon, Euronews and Harfouch, representing [[UA:PBC|NTKU]], jointly announced the official launch of the Ukrainian edition of Euronews with the support of the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, [[Borys Kolesnikov]], and with guidance from Ukrainian deputy Anna German. With Harfouch's assistance, a fully-fledged Ukrainian version of Euronews was launched on 24 August.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|author=Publié par Gilles Roman|title=Walid Arfush, Euronews Lyon, France / Kiev, Ukraine &#124; Photos de LYonenFrance|url=http://www.lyon-photos.fr/2013/06/walid-arfush-euronews-lyon-france-kiev.html#.UcRSgtgjVQU|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230233811/http://www.lyon-photos.fr/2013/06/walid-arfush-euronews-lyon-france-kiev.html#.UcRSgtgjVQU|archivedate=2013-12-30|accessdate=2013-07-18|publisher=Lyon-photos.fr}}</ref>
In 2002 Walid Harfouche founded with his brother Omar their own internet beauty competition, Miss@NetWorld.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.missnetworld.com/libya.html |title=Miss Net World 2002 Final: Tripoly, Libya |publisher=Missnetworld.com |date= |accessdate=2013-07-18}}</ref>
In 2006 the brothers Harfouche acquired the rights of organization of the famous beauty competition “Miss Europe”. This same year, in Kiev, the international final of this competition which was broadcast in more than 20 countries in the world.
At the end of one year, the brothers Harfouche founded a new competition “Miss CEI” gathering the Baltic countries and the CEI. According to its format the competition became a popular television program.


During June 2013, Harfouch assumed the leadership of Euronews across various CIS countries.<ref name=":0" />
==Public life==


In 2017, Harfouch took over the HDFashion & Lifestyle TV channel.
In 1995, the first public action “A girl for Boy” organized by Walid Harfouche and the radio “Super –Nova” with the assistance of Ukrainian artists allowed to end the solitude of Boy, the unique elephant of the Ukrainian zoo. The fund collecting of this public event allowed the transport of a female from Germany to the Kiev zoo.


Subsequently, in 2019, he transitioned to the position of Vice President of the international TV channel Euronews.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Валид Арфуш назначен вице-президентом Euronews|url=http://hdfashion.tv/valid-arfusch-naznachen-vice-prezidentom-euronews|access-date=2020-10-28|website=HD Fashion|language=ru}}</ref>
In 2000 Walid Harfouche became “The first best will Ambassador of the United Nations “commissioned to fight SIDA in Ukraine. He was at the origin of the creation and installation of the unique bronze statue in the world for the commemoration of the SIDA victims. It was inaugurated in 2001, in Kiev, by the secretary general of the United Nations at the time of [[Kofi Annan]]. Due to this event, the famous song “Protect the life”, produced by Walid Harfouche and composed by his brother Omar Harfouche became rapidity, the SIDA fighting anthem in Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iklz25SwYGg |title=Омар Арфуш и артисты - Захисти життя |publisher=YouTube |date=2012-02-23 |accessdate=2013-07-18}}</ref>


== Radio ==
In 2007 Walid Harfouche has created “the public association “SOS! Racism!” and became its secretary general.
[[File:Walid Harfouch - An international team of radio "Super Nova".jpg|thumb|upright|right|Walid Harfouch - An international team at radio Super Nova]]
“SOS! Racism!” was at the origin of the organization of many public important events, whereas “The anti racism march “which was characterized by its great number of participants and caused arguments in the political circle. Due to this march, the “SOS! Racism !”, association, has prepared with the support of a deputy of the Ukrainian parliament [[Anna German]], a new bill, based on the French model, on the responsibility hardening against every racism manifestation, and of anti-Semitism and xenophobia.
In 1995, Harfouch and his brother Omar departed from Dnipro to [[Kyiv]] where they founded one of the first FM radio stations, SuperNova.<ref>{{cite web|author=Borys L. Skurativsky|title=У пам'ять про... (Українські радіостанції, яких вже немає)|url=http://www.proradio.org.ua/memory.html|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130812011927/http://www.proradio.org.ua/memory.html|archivedate=2013-08-12|accessdate=2013-07-18|publisher=Proradio.org.ua}}</ref> The collaboration with [[Radio France International]] (RFI) <ref>{{cite web|title=Actualités, info, news en direct - Radio France Internationale - RFI|url=http://www.rfi.fr/|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130717163146/http://www.rfi.fr/|archivedate=2013-07-17|accessdate=2013-07-18|publisher=Rfi.fr}}</ref> enabled broadcasts in [[French language|French]], [[English language|English]], and [[Arabic]], as well as [[Russian language|Russian]] and [[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]]. The radio swiftly gained popularity, actively participating in all cultural domains of the country, often initiating cultural events. Over the years, it became an iconic station among the youth in Kyiv, primarily due to its vibrant parties. The station collaborated directly with the French Institute in Ukraine and the French embassy in Ukraine. Super-Nova was the first in Ukraine to provide live coverage of the [[Cannes Film Festival|Cannes International Film Festival]].


== Social activity ==
==Written press==
=== Kyiv Zoo ===
Kyiv Zoo In 1995, a public initiative, "Girl for Boy," organized by Walid and radio "Super-Nova," sought to transport a partner for the only elephant in the Kyiv Zoo, named Boy. The funds raised from a charity ball for the elephant facilitated the procurement of a companion from Germany.


=== United Nations Goodwill Ambassador ===
In 2003 Walid and Omar Harfouche began editing the magazine “PaparaZZI”.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.paparazzi.com.ua |title=ПапараZZи - Главная страница |publisher=Paparazzi.com.ua |date= |accessdate=2013-07-18}}</ref> In 2005, the publishing of the scandalous article as concerning the expenses of Andrey Ioustchenko son of the Ukrainian president at the time, [[Viktor Yushchenko]], is at the origin of the arson of the personal car of Walid Harfouche, a Bentley one, the main accused one was Andrey Ioustchenko. Long judiciary debates and booming publications in the Ukrainian Medias followed this incident.
[[File:Walid Harfouch - presents UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, a symbolic sign of the "Red Tape", 2002.jpg|thumb|upright|Walid Harfouch presents UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, a symbolic sign of the Red Tape, 2002]]
In 2000, Walid Harfouch became the first UN Goodwill Ambassador to combat AIDS under the [[Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS|UNAIDS]] program. He played a significant role in the establishment of a bronze monument in memory of [[HIV/AIDS|AIDS]], victims, inaugurated with the presence of the then [[Secretary-General of the United Nations|UN Secretary General]] [[Kofi Annan]]. Consequently, the song "Protect Life," composed by Omar Harfouch and produced by Walid, became renowned as the anthem of the anti-[[HIV/AIDS in Ukraine|AIDS in Ukraine]].<ref>{{cite web|date=2012-02-23|title=Омар Арфуш и артисты - Захисти життя|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iklz25SwYGg|url-status=live|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301150009/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iklz25SwYGg|archivedate=2018-03-01|accessdate=2013-07-18|publisher=YouTube}}</ref>


=== SOS! Racism! ===
In 2005, Walid Harfouche published a book:” Sex Murder and Millions “at Gallimard-Edition Folio.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.proza.ru/2011/09/06/970 |title=Юптсь Бюкхд - Sex. Сахиярбн. Лхккхнм (Бюкхд Юптсь) / Пнлюмш / Опнгю.Пс - Мюжхнмюкэмши Яепбеп Янбпелеммни Опнгш |publisher=Proza.ru |date= |accessdate=2013-07-18}}</ref>
[[File:Walid Harfouch - During the protest march "SOS! Racism", 2007.JPG|thumb|upright|During the protest march SOS! Racism, 2007|left]]
In 2007, Walid Harfouch established the public organization "SOS! [[Racism]]!" and assumed the position of General Secretary. T"SOS! Racism!" spearheaded numerous public events, including the March Against Racism, which garnered widespread attention and political support. As a result of the march and with the backing of Ukrainian deputy Anna German [[Verkhovna Rada|Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine]], a bill was proposed, modeled on the French version, to intensify penalties for instances of racism, [[antisemitism]], and [[xenophobia]].
[[File:Walid Harfouch - Thanks on behalf of the UN Office in Ukraine.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Thanks on behalf of the UN Office in Ukraine, and all those who are involved in the fight against HIV / AIDS worldwide]]


In response to the 2020 [[George Floyd protests]] which were marred by incidents of looting, Harfouch highlighted in an interview that the protests were motivated by issues of racism, emphasizing that the looting overshadowed the noble intentions of the movement.
==Supernova Agency==
In 2002 Walid founded an agency of public relations / BTL ”Super Nova Agency”, which organized a lot of large scale publicity campaigns . Among the customers of the agency: Hotel Premier Palace, [[Coca-Cola]], “Yalta life rally”, [[Red Bull]] and others.
One of the main activities of the “Super Nova Agency” was, lobbying and the public relations for private ones, politicians and big companies in Ukraine and in Europe and especially in France.


Harfouch extended his condolences to the relatives of those killed in the [[2020 Beirut explosion|Port of Beirut explosion]] explosion in August 2020. He urged the Ukrainian community to provide moral support to the Lebanese, considering Ukraine's historically positive relations with the Lebanese people and the republic.
==Television==


== Personal life ==
Due to his public active life, Walid Harfouche became the hero of many television programs and talk-shows. In 2008, he became editor in the political program of the star presenter [[Savik Shuster]], “Shuster Live”.
In the mid-90s, Walid married Natalya Dementieva, with whom he raised a son, Karim (born 1996), and a daughter, Liza (born 2000).
In 2006, he played a small role in the film “Stariki Pokovinly”, of the known producer Ukrainian Andrey Benkendorf. Then, another role in a second film.


In 2001, Walid entered into a civil union with Lida Petrova, formalizing their marriage in 2015. Together, they have three children: Emilie (born 2004), Adam (born 2012), and Adele-Chloe (born 2016).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Майя|first=Габрук|date=2016-02-18|title=Валід Арфуш став батьком в третій раз|url=https://glamurchik.tochka.net/ua/235762-valid-arfush-stal-ottsom-v-pyatyy-raz/|access-date=2020-10-28|website=Tochka.net|language=uk}}</ref>
In August 2007- he was appointed a general producer of TET television channel.
In August 2009-February 2010 Walid Harfouche was at the head of the foreign press department of the candidate, actually president of Ukraine, Victor Ianoukovytch.
In April 2010- June 2013 he was appointed as a vice president of NTU – the first Ukrainian television channel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://1tv.com.ua/uk/faces/management |title=Керівництво - Перший Національний канал |publisher=1tv.com.ua |date= |accessdate=2013-07-18}}</ref>
Since October 2010, Walid Harfouche is the President of Coordination Council of the Ukrainian version of euro news.
In June 2013,Walid Harfouche is a the Head of Euronews in CIS countries.<ref>{{cite web|author=Publié par Gilles Roman |url=http://www.lyon-photos.fr/2013/06/walid-arfush-euronews-lyon-france-kiev.html#.UcRSgtgjVQU |title=Walid Arfush, Euronews Lyon, France / Kiev, Ukraine &#124; Photos de LYonenFrance |publisher=Lyon-photos.fr |date= |accessdate=2013-07-18}}</ref>


In 2008, Walid Harfouch converted to Orthodoxy, while maintaining a philosophical adherence to Buddhism and embracing all religions that promote love.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-04-05|title=Женатый Валид Арфуш был влюблен в Ирину Билык|url=https://tsn.ua/ru/glamur/zhenatyy-valid-arfush-byl-vlyublen-v-irinu-bilyk-299883.html|access-date=2020-10-28|website=ТСН.ua|language=ru}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Владимир Арфуш теперь называет Шуфрича папой|url=https://ukraine.segodnya.ua/ukraine/vladimir-arfush-teper-nazyvaet-shufricha-papoj-103586.html|access-date=2020-10-28|website=ukraine.segodnya.ua|language=ru}}</ref>
In August 2011,he started up the Ukrainian version of Euronews with the support of the vice prime minister of Ukraine, [[Borys Kolesnikov]] and the advice giver of the republic president Anna German.
{{Blockquote|"The only religion for me is love, since Christianity says love your neighbor, this religion is close to me."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Левченко|first=Миша|date=|title=Валид Арфуш про украинскую мечту, о возможностях и расизме в Украине|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zp8E6UhRj38|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=28 October 2020|website=YouTube}}</ref>}}

== Hobbies ==
=== Yoga ===
Walid Harfouch is a professional yoga practitioner and believes that yoga should be included in the school curriculum. His trainer is the famous yoga master Oksana Sivakovska.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=20 June 2020|title=Йога — наше все: Даша Кацурина, Валид Арфуш и другие делятся своим опытом|url=https://www.buro247.ua/beauty/international-yoga-day.html|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=28 October 2020|website=Buro 24/7}}</ref> Every year on June 21, Walid celebrates International Yoga Day with his friends.<ref>{{Cite web|title=День йоги дома у Валида Арфуша|url=http://hdfashion.tv/den-iogi-v-doma-valida-arfuscha|access-date=2020-10-28|website=HD Fashion|language=ru}}</ref>

== Interesting Facts ==
* In 2006, at the invitation of the Ukrainian director Andrei Benkendorf, Walid starred in his film "Old Colonels" as the bandit Arthur.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Старики-полковники - Телеканал Победа!|url=https://pobeda.tv/announces/5482|access-date=2020-10-28|website=pobeda.tv|language=ru}}</ref>
* In 2019, he became a part of the photo exhibition "Spied" by photographer Victoria Smetana.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-03-25|title=Открытие откровенной выставки "Підгледіла" фотографа Виктории Сметаны|url=https://marieclaire.ua/lifestyle/otkrytie-otkrovennoj-vystavki-pidgledila-fotografa-viktorii-smetany/|access-date=2020-10-28|website=Marie Claire - женский журнал - все о моде, звездах и красоте|language=ru-RU}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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==Further reading==
==Further reading==
* http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2013/06/13/euronews-looks-to-cis
* http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2013/06/13/euronews-looks-to-cis
* [http://www.rapidtvnews.com/index.php/2013061328286/walid-arfush-joins-euronews-in-the-cis-region.html Walid Arfush joins Euronews in the CIS region]
* [http://www.rapidtvnews.com/index.php/2013061328286/walid-arfush-joins-euronews-in-the-cis-region.html Walid Harfouch joins Euronews in the CIS region]
* [http://www.casbaa.com/media-and-resources/news-center/members-news/5480-euronews-looks-to-cis Euronews looks to CIS]
* [http://www.casbaa.com/media-and-resources/news-center/members-news/5480-euronews-looks-to-cis Euronews looks to CIS]
* [http://www.apnnews.com/2013/06/14/walid-arfush-joins-euronews-as-development-manager-for-the-commonwealth-of-independent-states-region/ Walid Arfush Joins Euronews as Development Manager for the Commonwealth of Independent States region]
* [http://www.apnnews.com/2013/06/14/walid-arfush-joins-euronews-as-development-manager-for-the-commonwealth-of-independent-states-region/ Walid Harfouch Joins Euronews as Development Manager for the Commonwealth of Independent States region]

{{authority control}}


{{Persondata
| NAME = Harfouch, Walid
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = Ukrainian businessman
| DATE OF BIRTH = April 10, 1971
| PLACE OF BIRTH =
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Harfouch, Walid}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Harfouch, Walid}}
[[Category:1971 births]]
[[Category:1971 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Tripoli, Lebanon]]
[[Category:21st-century Lebanese journalists]]
[[Category:Lebanese media executives]]
[[Category:Naturalized citizens of Ukraine]]
[[Category:Businesspeople from Dnipro]]
[[Category:Ukrainian journalists]]
[[Category:Ukrainian media executives]]
[[Category:Ukrainian radio journalists]]
[[Category:Ukrainian television personalities]]
[[Category:Ukrainian people of Lebanese descent]]
[[Category:Oles Honchar Dnipro National University alumni]]

Revision as of 03:01, 6 November 2024

Walid Harfouch
Born (1971-04-10) 10 April 1971 (age 53)
Tripoli, Lebanon
CitizenshipUkrainian
TitleVice President of Euronews
President of HDFashion & LifeStyle

Walid Harfouch is an international television manager, producer and public figure. He serves as the Vice President of the international TV channel Euronews,[1] President of the HDFashion & Lifestyle TV channel, and co-founder of the Super-Nova radio station and the Paparazzi magazine.

In August 2011, Harfouch initiated the Ukrainian version of the Euronews TV channel.[2]

He is recognized as the first United Nations Goodwill Ambassador authorized to combat AIDS in Ukraine and is the founder of the NGO "SOS Racism!"

For over 10 years, Walid Harfouch has been dedicatedly practicing yoga.

Biography

During an official visit by Bill Clinton to Ukraine, 1995

Walid Harfouch was born on 10 April 1971 in Tripoli, Lebanon. His father, Adnan Harfouch, a professor of Arabic literature, and his mother, Najwa El Hajj, a school director. He has an elder brother, Omar and a sister, Hind.

In 1988, Harfouch completed his education at the College des Freres. Subsequently, in 1990, his brother Omar invited him to Ukraine. The following year, he was admitted into the Faculty of Journalism at the Oles Honchar Dnipro National University.

Walid Harfouch with Leonid Kuchma, 1997

In 1995, Harfouch relocated to Kiev, where he ventured into the media sector.[citation needed]

During 2003, Harfouch and his brother launched the Paparazzi magazine, focusing on the lives of show business celebrities and policymakers.[3]

Additionally, in 2005, he published the book "Sex, Murder, a Million".[4][5]

In 2006, Harfouch and his brother acquired the rights to organize three Miss Europe beauty contests. The first of these took place in October 2006 in Kyiv at the National Palace "Ukraine" and was broadcast in 12 European countries. Notably, 34 contestants from various European countries participated in the competition "Miss Europe - 2006", with Ukraine represented by Olena Avramenko who secured the title of the first vice-miss of Europe.

Television

TET TV channel

In August 2007, Harfouch assumed the role of the general producer of TET TV channel, one of Ukraine's earliest private TV channels. His key objectives in this capacity were to enhance the channel's ratings, broaden its audience base, and revitalize its programming with new shows like Miss CIS.[6][7]

First national channel

Between March 2010 and June 2013, Walid Harfouch served as the Deputy General Director of the Ukrainian public broadcaster NTKU. Overseeing the development of music and entertainment projects, as well as establishing international collaborations for the First National.[8]

Euronews and other channels

In October 2010, Harfouch took on the role of the President of the Coordinating Council of the Ukrainian version of Euronews.

On 2 August 2011, in Lyon, Euronews and Harfouch, representing NTKU, jointly announced the official launch of the Ukrainian edition of Euronews with the support of the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, Borys Kolesnikov, and with guidance from Ukrainian deputy Anna German. With Harfouch's assistance, a fully-fledged Ukrainian version of Euronews was launched on 24 August.[9]

During June 2013, Harfouch assumed the leadership of Euronews across various CIS countries.[9]

In 2017, Harfouch took over the HDFashion & Lifestyle TV channel.

Subsequently, in 2019, he transitioned to the position of Vice President of the international TV channel Euronews.[10]

Radio

Walid Harfouch - An international team at radio Super Nova

In 1995, Harfouch and his brother Omar departed from Dnipro to Kyiv where they founded one of the first FM radio stations, SuperNova.[11] The collaboration with Radio France International (RFI) [12] enabled broadcasts in French, English, and Arabic, as well as Russian and Ukrainian. The radio swiftly gained popularity, actively participating in all cultural domains of the country, often initiating cultural events. Over the years, it became an iconic station among the youth in Kyiv, primarily due to its vibrant parties. The station collaborated directly with the French Institute in Ukraine and the French embassy in Ukraine. Super-Nova was the first in Ukraine to provide live coverage of the Cannes International Film Festival.

Social activity

Kyiv Zoo

Kyiv Zoo In 1995, a public initiative, "Girl for Boy," organized by Walid and radio "Super-Nova," sought to transport a partner for the only elephant in the Kyiv Zoo, named Boy. The funds raised from a charity ball for the elephant facilitated the procurement of a companion from Germany.

United Nations Goodwill Ambassador

Walid Harfouch presents UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, a symbolic sign of the Red Tape, 2002

In 2000, Walid Harfouch became the first UN Goodwill Ambassador to combat AIDS under the UNAIDS program. He played a significant role in the establishment of a bronze monument in memory of AIDS, victims, inaugurated with the presence of the then UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Consequently, the song "Protect Life," composed by Omar Harfouch and produced by Walid, became renowned as the anthem of the anti-AIDS in Ukraine.[13]

SOS! Racism!

During the protest march SOS! Racism, 2007

In 2007, Walid Harfouch established the public organization "SOS! Racism!" and assumed the position of General Secretary. T"SOS! Racism!" spearheaded numerous public events, including the March Against Racism, which garnered widespread attention and political support. As a result of the march and with the backing of Ukrainian deputy Anna German Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, a bill was proposed, modeled on the French version, to intensify penalties for instances of racism, antisemitism, and xenophobia.

Thanks on behalf of the UN Office in Ukraine, and all those who are involved in the fight against HIV / AIDS worldwide

In response to the 2020 George Floyd protests which were marred by incidents of looting, Harfouch highlighted in an interview that the protests were motivated by issues of racism, emphasizing that the looting overshadowed the noble intentions of the movement.

Harfouch extended his condolences to the relatives of those killed in the Port of Beirut explosion explosion in August 2020. He urged the Ukrainian community to provide moral support to the Lebanese, considering Ukraine's historically positive relations with the Lebanese people and the republic.

Personal life

In the mid-90s, Walid married Natalya Dementieva, with whom he raised a son, Karim (born 1996), and a daughter, Liza (born 2000).

In 2001, Walid entered into a civil union with Lida Petrova, formalizing their marriage in 2015. Together, they have three children: Emilie (born 2004), Adam (born 2012), and Adele-Chloe (born 2016).[14]

In 2008, Walid Harfouch converted to Orthodoxy, while maintaining a philosophical adherence to Buddhism and embracing all religions that promote love.[15][16]

"The only religion for me is love, since Christianity says love your neighbor, this religion is close to me."[17]

Hobbies

Yoga

Walid Harfouch is a professional yoga practitioner and believes that yoga should be included in the school curriculum. His trainer is the famous yoga master Oksana Sivakovska.[18] Every year on June 21, Walid celebrates International Yoga Day with his friends.[19]

Interesting Facts

  • In 2006, at the invitation of the Ukrainian director Andrei Benkendorf, Walid starred in his film "Old Colonels" as the bandit Arthur.[20]
  • In 2019, he became a part of the photo exhibition "Spied" by photographer Victoria Smetana.[21]

References

  1. ^ "Валида Арфуша назначили вице-президентом канала Euronews". strana.today (in Russian). Retrieved 2023-02-26.
  2. ^ "В Украине запустили украиноязычную версию Euronews". LB.ua. 24 August 2011. Retrieved 2020-10-28.
  3. ^ "ПапараZZи - Главная страница". Paparazzi.com.ua. Archived from the original on 2013-07-29. Retrieved 2013-07-18.
  4. ^ "Юптсь Бюкхд - Sex. Сахиярбн. Лхккхнм (Бюкхд Юптсь) / Пнлюмш / Опнгю.Пс - Мюжхнмюкэмши Яепбеп Янбпелеммни Опнгш". Proza.ru. Archived from the original on 2013-12-30. Retrieved 2013-07-18.
  5. ^ Harfouch, Walid (2005). Sex. Murder. Million. Folio. ISBN 966-03-3239-4.
  6. ^ "Валид Арфуш: "Зрители будут переключаться на ТЕТ не только тогда, когда идет "Дом-2""". detector.media (in Ukrainian). 2007-08-21. Retrieved 2020-10-28.
  7. ^ "Валид Арфуш стал генпродюсером ТЕТ". ukraine.segodnya.ua (in Russian). Retrieved 2020-10-28.
  8. ^ "Керівництво - Перший Національний канал". 1tv.com.ua. Archived from the original on 2013-08-01. Retrieved 2013-07-18.
  9. ^ a b Publié par Gilles Roman. "Walid Arfush, Euronews Lyon, France / Kiev, Ukraine | Photos de LYonenFrance". Lyon-photos.fr. Archived from the original on 2013-12-30. Retrieved 2013-07-18.
  10. ^ "Валид Арфуш назначен вице-президентом Euronews". HD Fashion (in Russian). Retrieved 2020-10-28.
  11. ^ Borys L. Skurativsky. "У пам'ять про... (Українські радіостанції, яких вже немає)". Proradio.org.ua. Archived from the original on 2013-08-12. Retrieved 2013-07-18.
  12. ^ "Actualités, info, news en direct - Radio France Internationale - RFI". Rfi.fr. Archived from the original on 2013-07-17. Retrieved 2013-07-18.
  13. ^ "Омар Арфуш и артисты - Захисти життя". YouTube. 2012-02-23. Archived from the original on 2018-03-01. Retrieved 2013-07-18.
  14. ^ Майя, Габрук (2016-02-18). "Валід Арфуш став батьком в третій раз". Tochka.net (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 2020-10-28.
  15. ^ "Женатый Валид Арфуш был влюблен в Ирину Билык". ТСН.ua (in Russian). 2013-04-05. Retrieved 2020-10-28.
  16. ^ "Владимир Арфуш теперь называет Шуфрича папой". ukraine.segodnya.ua (in Russian). Retrieved 2020-10-28.
  17. ^ Левченко, Миша. "Валид Арфуш про украинскую мечту, о возможностях и расизме в Украине". YouTube. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  18. ^ "Йога — наше все: Даша Кацурина, Валид Арфуш и другие делятся своим опытом". Buro 24/7. 20 June 2020. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  19. ^ "День йоги дома у Валида Арфуша". HD Fashion (in Russian). Retrieved 2020-10-28.
  20. ^ "Старики-полковники - Телеканал Победа!". pobeda.tv (in Russian). Retrieved 2020-10-28.
  21. ^ "Открытие откровенной выставки "Підгледіла" фотографа Виктории Сметаны". Marie Claire - женский журнал - все о моде, звездах и красоте (in Russian). 2019-03-25. Retrieved 2020-10-28.

Further reading

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Walid_Harfouch&oldid=1255677141"