Valid Arfush Lebanese businessman, social activist Date of Birth: 10.04.1971 Country: Ukraine

1. Early Life and Career
2. Media and Entertainment
3. Modeling and Beauty Pageants
4. Social Activism and Public Service
5. Journalism and Political Involvement
6. Personal Life and Hobbies

Early Life and Career

Waleed Arfoush, a Lebanese businessman and philanthropist, was born on April 10, 1971, in Tripoli, Lebanon. As the son of a professor and lecturer in ancient Arabic literature, Arfoush's childhood was filled with exposure to academic pursuits. In 1988, he completed high school and moved to Ukraine two years later at the invitation of his elder brother, Omar Arfoush.

Media and Entertainment

In 1991, Arfoush enrolled in the Faculty of Journalism at Dnipropetrovsk State University. Following the election of Leonid Kuchma as President of Ukraine in 1995, the Arfoush brothers relocated to Kyiv and established one of the first FM radio stations in the Ukrainian capital, "Super-Nova." The station gained widespread popularity, particularly among youth and foreigners.

Arfoush's connections with RFI (Radio France International) led to collaborations, resulting in broadcasts in French, English, and Arabic on Super-Nova. The station actively participated in cultural events and exhibitions, often initiating them through collaborations with the French Cultural Center and the French Embassy in Ukraine.

In 1999, Arfoush and his brother partnered with the main shareholders of the television channel "Studio 1+1" to create a nationwide radio station, "1+1 Radio." However, this venture remained on paper after a change in ownership at Studio 1+1.

In 2005, the Arfoush brothers sold their controlling stake in Super-Nova to the Ukrainian radio network "Prosto Radio," and the station became known as "Narodnoye Radio."

Modeling and Beauty Pageants

Arfoush's involvement in the model business and beauty pageants began in 1997 when he became involved in organizing the Miss Europe pageant in Kyiv. Amid organizational challenges, Arfoush's ability to produce a professional show impressed pageant officials. This led to further collaborations with the modeling agency Elite and the organization of the Elite Model Look contest in Ukraine.

In 2002, Arfoush established his own beauty pageant, "Miss@Net World," which championed transparency and allowed internet users to influence the outcome. The first pageant was held in Libya, breaking down barriers and attracting international attention.

Social Activism and Public Service

Arfoush's first public act of engagement was to assist the Kyiv Zoo in acquiring an elephant companion for their lone elephant. His efforts, including a charitable concert, raised funds not only for the elephant but also for its transportation.

In 2000, Arfoush became the first UN Goodwill Ambassador for the fight against HIV/AIDS in Ukraine. He established a memorial to AIDS victims on the wall of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra and played a vital role in promoting safe sex among youth.

In 2007, Arfoush founded the "SOS! Racism!" public association in response to increasing incidents of racism in Ukraine. The association initiated a large-scale March against Racism and advocated for stricter laws to combat racism and xenophobia.

Journalism and Political Involvement

Arfoush's book, "Sex. Murder. Million," published in 2005, detailed controversial events in recent Ukrainian history. He later became a chronicler on the television program "Shuster Live" and a blogger on the website www.korrespondent.net.

In 2009, Arfoush joined the presidential campaign of Viktor Yanukovych, serving as a member of the candidate's creative council and head of overseas press relations. Yanukovych was elected President in 2010.

Personal Life and Hobbies

Arfoush is currently married to Lida Petrova and has three children: Karim, Liza, and Emily. His hobbies include horse riding, skiing, and playing DJ sets. In 2010, he was appointed Deputy General Director of the National Television Company of Ukraine (NTKU).