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{{undisclosed paid|date=August 2021}}
{{multiple issues|
{{Underlinked|date=July 2013}}
{{Orphan|date=July 2013}}
}}
{{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
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1971|4|10|df=y}}
| title = Vice President of [[Euronews]]<br>President of HDFashion & LifeStyle
| birth_place = {{LBN}}
| children =
| 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.

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]]
[[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.
[[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 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 at 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 various countries of the [[Commonwealth of Independent States]].
He is also the president of the Coordination Council of the Ukrainian version of Euronews. In 2001, he was appointed as the first goodwill ambassador of the [[United Nations]], as commissioned to fight the Sida in [[Ukraine]]. He founded the public association SOS Racism!


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>
Today, he is one of the most well-known show business personalities in [[Ukraine]]. He has worked with his brother [[Omar Harfouch]] to organize international beauty pageants, such as [[Elite Model Look]] and [[Miss Europe]]. He is the founder of one of the first Ukrainian FM radio stations, Super-Nova. Along with his brother Omar, he is also the editor of the magazine ''PaparaZZI''.


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


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.
In 1988, Harfouch finished his education at the College des Freres, and in 1990, his brother Omar invited him to come to Ukraine. Together, they were among the first people to reside in the city of [[Dnipropetrovsk|Dnipro]]. In 1991, Harfouch was admitted into the Faculty of Journalism at the Dniepropetrovsk State University.


==Radio==
== Television ==
=== TET TV channel ===
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 ===
In 1995, Harfouch and his brother Omar left Dniepropetrovsk and travelled to [[Kyiv]] where they founded one of the first FM radio stations, SuperNova.<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>
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>
The collaboration with [[Radio France International]] (RFI) <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 them to appear on SuperNova in various broadcasts and radio news in [[French language|French]], [[English language|English]], and [[Arabic]], as well as [[Russian language|Russian]] and [[Ukrainian language|Ukrainian]]. The station collaborated directly with the French Institute in Ukraine, as well as the French embassy in Ukraine. Super-Nova broadcast live coverage of the Cannes International Film Festival. At one point, SuperNova broadcast the program ''Depoutatsky Tchas'' (The hour of Deputies) where a lot of representatives of the [[Verkhovna Rada|Ukrainian parliament]] participated. Harfouch became a quasi-celebrity in the public eye as a result of these activities.


=== Euronews and other channels ===
==Beauty competition==
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>
Between 1998-2000, Walid Harfouch, along with his brother Omar Harfouch, represented the interests of the Elite agency in Ukraine. They became the official organizers of the international competition known as 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>


During June 2013, Harfouch assumed the leadership of Euronews across various CIS countries.<ref name=":0" />
In 2002, Harfouch and his brother founded 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, they acquired the rights to Miss Europe. That same year, in Kiev, the international final of the competition was broadcast in more than 20 countries in the world.
At the end of that year, they founded a new competition “Miss CEI," with contestants from the Balkan countries and the CIS. The competition became a popular television program.


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


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 1995, the first public action “A Girl for Boy" was organized by Walid Harfouch's station, Super –Nova, with the assistance of Ukrainian artists, with the goal of providing an elephant in a Ukrainian zoo named Boy a mate. The funds raised allowed the transport of a female from Germany to the [[Kiev Zoo|Kiev zoo]].


== Radio ==
In 2000, Walid Harfouch became the first goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations, commissioned to fight SIDA in Ukraine. He was responsible for the creation and installation of a bronze statue to commemorate of the SIDA victims. It was inaugurated in 2001 in Kiev by [[Kofi Annan]], then [[Secretary-General of the United Nations]]. Due to this event, the song “Protect the Life”, produced by Walid Harfouch and composed by his brother Omar Harfouche, became known as the anthem to fight SIDA in Ukraine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iklz25SwYGg |title=Омар Арфуш и артисты - Захисти життя |publisher=YouTube |date=2012-02-23 |accessdate=2013-07-18}}</ref>
[[File:Walid Harfouch - An international team of radio "Super Nova".jpg|thumb|upright|right|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.<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 ==
In 2007 Walid Harfouch created the public association known as “SOS! Racism!” and became its secretary general.
=== Kyiv Zoo ===
“SOS! Racism!” was responsible for many public events, such as "The Anti-Racism March", which was characterized by its great number of participants and caused debate in Ukraine. Due to this march, “SOS! Racism!” has prepared, with the support of Ukrainian deputy [[Anna German]], a new bill to harden penalties for racism, anti-semitism, and xenophobia.
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 ===
==Written press==
[[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 2003, Walid and Omar Harfouch 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 magazine published a scandalous article concerning the expenses of Andrey Loustchenko, the son of the Ukrainian president at the time.
[[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.
In 2005,Walid Harfouch 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>


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.
==Supernova Agency==
In 2002, Walid founded a public relations agency known as BTL or Super Nova Agency, which organized various large-scale publicity campaigns. The agency's clients include Hotel Premier Palace, [[Coca-Cola]], the Yalta Life Rally, [[Red Bull]], etc.
One of the organization's main activities was lobbying and public relations for large clients in Europe.


==Television==
== 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).<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>
Due to his active public life, Walid Harfouch has appeared in many television programs and talk shows. In 2008, he became an editor for the program “Shuster Live”, starring [[Savik Shuster]].
In 2006, he played a small role in the film “Stariki Pokovinly", produced by known Ukrainian Andrey Benkendorf.


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 2007, he was appointed as a general producer of the television channel TET.
{{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>}}
From August 2009 to February 2010, Walid Harfouch was head of the foreign press department for the candidate, and later president, of Ukraine, Victor Ianoukovytch.
From April 2010 to 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 Harfouch is the President of Coordination Council of the Ukrainian version of Euronews.
As of June 2013, Walid Harfouch is the Head of Euronews in various 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>


== Hobbies ==
In August 2011, he started up the Ukrainian version of Euronews with the support of the vice prime minister of Ukraine, [[Borys Kolesnikov]], with the advice of Ukrainian deputy Anna German.
=== 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]

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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"