Day: 24 April 2019

Members of the Scientific Council for Statistics and Economic Studies have met in the offices of the Monegasque Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (IMSEE) for a presentation of its work.

During the session on Tuesday 23rdApril, Pierre-André Chiappori, President of the Council, gave an update on the IMSEE’s situation by mentioning the recent appointment of Sophie Vincent as Director of the Institute last February as well as a renewed Scientific Council with four new members out of 11 appointed in October 2018 for three years. These changes mark a new stage for IMSEE, which is an important component of the Principality, particularly in the context of the definition of public policies.

Sophie Vincent also discussed various studies carried out on major topics for Monaco:

– a survey on addictions and lifestyles among young people that the IMSEE itself advocated and which was carried out in partnership with the DENJS;

– studies on demography, measurement of gender pay gaps and violence against women requested by the Prince’s Government.

Council members then shared their points of interest and made new recommendations on the statistics to be developed and the actions to be implemented for the construction of an efficient statistical system.

At the end of the meeting, participants were welcomed to lunch by Serge Telle.

The Scientific Council for Statistics and Economic Studies has an advisory role to the Minister of State who guarantees his independence. He spoke in particular about the studies to be carried out, the state of the statistical system and the annual survey program. Its 11 members come from civil society, assemblies and the administration.

As part of European Immunisation Week, which kicked off on Wednesday, the Prince’s Government is reminding everyone that vaccines are effective and everyone of all ages should be vaccinated.

Organised by the World Health Organization, European Immunisation Week runs from 24th to 30th April, with the aim of raising awareness about vaccines and promoting their use.

“Each year, vaccination makes it possible to prevent a large number of contagious diseases and reduce their effects, and also to avoid contamination of the rest of the population, via herd immunity, which is essential for protecting the most vulnerable,” said the government in a statement.

“It is the best and sometimes the only protection against certain rare but serious diseases.”

The theme this year is Protected Together: Vaccines Work!, and the campaign will celebrate Vaccine Heroes from around the world, from parents and community members to health workers and innovators.

In 2017, the number of children immunised – 116.2 million – was the highest ever reported. Since 2010, 113 countries have introduced new vaccines, and more than 20 million additional children have been vaccinated.

But despite the gains, all of the targets for disease elimination including measles, rubella, and maternal and neonatal tetanus, are behind schedule, and over the last two years the world has seen multiple outbreaks of measles, diphtheria and various other vaccine-preventable diseases. Most of the children missing out are those living in the poorest, marginalised and conflict-affected communities.

“In order for everyone, everywhere to survive and thrive, countries must intensify efforts to ensure all people receive the lifesaving benefits of vaccines,” said WHO. “Additionally, those countries that have achieved or made progress towards the goals must work to sustain the progress they have made.”

The main goal of the 2019 campaign is to raise awareness about the critical importance of full immunisation throughout life.

“Vaccination is essential for the health of individuals and for public health; it provides a level of preventive protection that is essential for the well-being of the population,” said the Princely Government. “Being vaccinated and keeping up to date with essential boosters are acts of solidarity – it is everyone’s responsibility to preserve the health of all.”

Passing by the window of the Ribolzi Gallery, one sees what seems to be a rubber Michelin tire on display. Upon further inspection, the viewer sees that it is, in fact, an intricately carved piece of black marble by the artist Fabio Viale.

Colourful impressionist scenes of nature are displayed in the same room as contemporary sculptures with clean lines. Abstract figures of warriors are painted on larger than life canvasses. The gallery is filled with paintings and artefacts that show artists’ playful use of mediums to generate a mood of curiosity. The variety, and synergy, in the collection is something that must be seen during Monaco Art Week.

The opening of the Ex Tempore exhibit at Galerie Adriano Ribolzi was attended by some of Monaco’s most influential residents, including the Ambassador of Italy for Monaco Cristiano Gallo. Currently on display are works from four contemporary artists: Fabio Viale, Pablo Atchugarry, Mario Schifano and Sergio Fermariello. All but Mr. Schifano are alive today, and the works are a glimpse into Italy’s contemporary art scene.

“This is the best piece in the show,” said Adriano Ribolzi as he pointed to a colourful, larger than life painting with abstract water lilies that garnered the excitement of Spring. A handsome young Italian art expert visiting from Milan, who prefers to remain anonymous, shared stories of the tattoos on Fabio Viale’s classical marble sculptures.

“It is not just painted on, it is actually tattooed into the stone, and the tattoos are from the Japanese Yakusa and Russian Mafia.” He revealed that the tattoos are copies from two of the artist’s lovers. The stories behind the art pieces were almost as interesting as the works themselves.

Viale’s sculptures are particularly unique. Using marble, the artist plays with the medium to create objects that look like styrofoam, paper, rubber and even tattooed skin. Atchugary, also a sculptor working in marble, has a completely different style, using the highest quality Carrera marble available to create contemporary designs.

Schifano’s work in pain focuses on nature. One of the most important Italian artists from the Post War period, the gallery has on display a large painting reminiscent of water lilies.

Finally, Fermariello’s works are paintings with figures that can be interpreted as warriors.

Ex Tempore is on exhibition until 31st August at the Galerie Adriano Ribolzi, 3 avenue de l’Hermitage.

Monaco Art Week is being held from 24th to 28th April.