For the first time, the Monaco Grand Prix will offer reusable and recyclable cups during this year’s Formula One race weekend. It marks the beginning of a trend to make the event more eco-friendly and raise public awareness, while offering spectators a handy GP souvenir.
The cups have been made by local company Monacup’Green, with the support of the Monaco City Council, the Monaco Automobile Club (ACM) and the Environmental Department.
They will be the same in all participating establishments, and when the customer is finished using them, a €2 refund can be requested. The cups may also be kept and used as collector’s items or souvenirs.
A washing and drying line will be set up near the circuit to collect dirty or used cups where they will then be redistributed to local bars and pubs for reuse. This method has been successful at other large events in Europe, such as the Rugby World Cup, 24 Hours of Le Mans, and at Rolland-Garros.
Merchants who are part of the ‘Committed Commerce’ and ‘Committed Restaurant’ operations are offered the cups free of charge as part of the government initiative to reduce, and eventually end, single-use plastic waste in the Principality.
AMADE Charity concert draws big names and big bucks
Music lovers have gathered for a special concert at the Auditorium Rainier III benefitting the Association Mondiale des Amis de L’Enfance, l’AMADE. The charity was founded in 1963 by the late Princess Grace.
From left to right: Khadja Nin Ickx, Maxim Vengerov, HRH the Princess of Hanover, Gautier Capucon, Jérôme Froissart
On Sunday 19th May the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra, along with cellist Gautier Capuçon and conductor, violinist and UNICEF Good Will Ambassador Maxim Vengerov, played for HRH The Princess of Hanover and an audience of music fans.
More than €17,000 was raised, the proceeds of which will go to AMADE’s ‘Capoeira for Peace’ programme. The programme has aided nearly 10,000 former child soldiers in the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo to regain hope and protect them from future violence, exploitation and abuse.
Monaco’s Minister of Social Affairs and Health, Didier Gamerdinger, has led a Monegasque delegation to the 72nd World Health Assembly of the World Health Organisation, which is being held from 20th to 28th May in Geneva.
Didier Gamerdinger, Government Counselor-Minister of Social Affairs and Health and the Monegasque delegation
The World Health Assembly is the highest decision-making arm of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is charged with the task of defining WHO policy and approving budgets.
This year’s main theme and debate topic is ‘Universal health coverage: leave no one behind’. Mr Gamerdinger made clear in his speech of the Principality’s commitment to international cooperation with regard to the goal of achieving universal health coverage globally. He also explained the steps Monaco has taken to provide an excellent level of care for all citizens at every stage of life.
In addition to discussions on the annual theme, the assembly will decide on 2020-2021 budget and agenda, keeping in line with the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Magic happens: Monaco women rule the charter world
Luxury yachts are not only a mainstay on Monaco’s stunning horizon, the industry also contributes a significant amount to the local economy. Traditionally, the business side of yachting has been the domain of men, but not anymore. Word within the industry is, women are ruling charters.
The impressive upper deck of MY Roma
For Monaco-based yacht brokers, the beginning of May signals the start of the yachting season in the Mediterranean. According to Gregori Bennasi, Project Leader of Cluster Yachting Monaco, the industry accounts for 13% of Monaco’s GDP. Annual revenue from yachting is worth €750 million to the Principality, and it accounts for 323 companies and 1,515 local jobs.
Years ago MYBA, a global yacht brokerage association that started in the Mediterranean, developed an important addition for yachting businesses: a standard contract which can be used worldwide by the industry. Being a member of MYBA allows people working in the yachting industry to meet, discuss, and make things happen. Monaco-based women make up a big part of this organisation.
Many women in the yachting industry happen fall into it by chance. Co-founder of Yachtzoo, Paola Scalabrino, knew about the industry through friends. She founded Yachtzoo 12 years ago and thought that Monaco, one of the capitals of yachting, would be the right place to be. At the MYBA charter show in Barcelona, she said that it was clear to see the charter side of yachting is run by highly professional women. In fact, many brokers agreed that sales are generally done by men while charters, which require extreme attention to detail, are ruled by women.
Rezida Akhmerova signs a contract to charter MY Roma for her client
Their stories, like Rezida Akhmerova, are unique. Her father was a submarine captain. Being on a submarine he never actually saw the Mediterranean, although he was frequently there, under the sea. When Rezida became a yacht broker, her first goal was to show her father the Med from above the water. She accomplished this goal quickly, and now runs her own successful yacht brokerage company.
Rezida Yachts is a Monaco-based family office, focused on superyacht sales and charters. She describes her career as being a series of magical coincidences. It began after she formed connections with Russian oligarchs while working at a 5-star hotel. From there, she says she learned about the yachting industry and began working for a brokerage, before breaking off on her own. “To make a good soup, all ingredients have to come at the right time.”
Rezida is a force to be reckoned with in the charter scene. In Barcelona, she went aboard motor yacht Roma, which turned out to be the perfect boat for her client. Within an hour she was drafting a contract and MY Roma’s summer schedule was officially completely booked.
Monaco-based women have a foothold in the yachting world even outside of the charter scene. For example, Floating Life is a crew uniforms company founded by Barbara Tambani. Her clothing line was inspired by the desire to give quality clothing to crew who often spend countless hours exposed to the elements. Her attention to detail and use of high quality fabrics from Italy has been welcomed by crew.
In an industry that is often looked at as male-dominated we see, upon closer inspection, that it is in fact women who keep this industry afloat.
One of Monaco’s most exciting new organisations, the Latin American Association, is organising an evening of traditional food, entertainment, art and dancing. The gala is designed to introduce guests to Columbia through its music, cuisine and folklore.
The fun-filled night will be held on 22nd June at 8.30pm at the Monte Carlo Beach Hotel. Valet parking will be available for guests and the evening will include a welcome cocktail, buffet dinner with Colombian specialities, and dancers with a live band, representing five different regions. There will also be a tombola, art exhibition showcasing the work of Colombian artists and a DJ party. Dress code is tropical chic.
The evening hopes to raise awareness of Colombia as one of the world’s most diverse countries, with many biological ecosystems. It is the only South American country bordering the Caribbean and Pacific ocean, and it has five geographical regions – Caribbean, Pacific, Andean, Llanos Orientales and Amazonian – which make Colombia one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. This gives it a unique richness in culture, art, folklore and music.
The Latin American Association of Monaco (AMLA) is giving people the opportunity to discover a country full of wonders. AMLA’s charitable work focuses on children and families living under distressed situations in Latin America. Its partners include the ISM (volunteering charity work assignments), the Princess Grace Hospital, Richmond Global Health Alliance, Guatemala’s Volcano Explosion Aid and Somos Huellas in Chile.
Funds raised from the Colombian Gala will go towards helping Colombian children access “game libraries”, also referred to as “Ludoteques”, a project supported by Mission Enfance Monaco.
The Mark Challenge, created by the International University of Monaco, has completed its 6th edition. The international competition allows participants to present business ideas pertaining to the luxury market.
Around 50 business schools and universities, 269 students, and 104 projects from around the globe took part. The top seven finalists were given the opportunity to present their plans to a panel of potential investors and community leaders.
This year’s first place winners were three IUM students who have crafted a coral and ocean-friendly sunscreen through their Monaco-based company, Lía Monaco, which will launch its first products within the next two years.
The goal of The Mark Challenge is to bring together skilled and motivated business students with professionals to encourage an entrepreneurial environment where they can cultivate high-value service activities whilst fostering corporate social responsibility.
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