Sylviane ZEHIL

L’Orient Le Jour

Ms. Zehil is an American-Lebanese professional with over 35 years of experience in journalism, research, and PR. She was instrumental in establishing the UN/New York bureaus for L’Orient Le Jour and An Nahar (both based in Beirut) in 1992 and since has been the New York/UN Bureau Chief for L’Orient Le Jour, a leading French daily independent newspaper.  During 2007-2009, she was also the New York/UN Bureau Chief for An Nahar, a leading Pan Arab daily newspaper.

Ms. Zehil covers activities in Lebanon, Syria and the Middle East, as well as New York art and culture. Her articles and interviews of leading politicians have been published extensively. She has an in-depth understanding of the Middle East, Europe and the United States.  In 2012, Ms. Zehil was honored by Brooklyn Borough President during Lebanese Heritage Days for her contribution to Lebanon at the UN and for helping to shape the Lebanese community in New York.

In 1977, Ms. Zehil launched and directed CEDRE, the first computerized documentation/research center in Beirut. She also assisted in establishing La Maison du Futur, the first think tank and center for strategic studies working under the direction of the Lebanon President to assist the government in defining and implementing economic, social, environmental and cultural policies.  She also initiated “Panorama de l’Actualité” (Haliyyat), a quarterly review in three languages covering the war in Lebanon and Palestinian issues, a tool used by universities, research centers, and diplomats. Ms. Zehil was a pioneer in establishing the “Société d’Exposition et de Promotion” (SEP), a trade fairs company based in Beirut which was pivotal in helping Lebanon’s economy during the war (1975-1990).

Ms. Zehil holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in modern French literature from Université de la Sorbonne, Paris, France.