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Day: 28 September 2019

Stars gather for Prince’s Ocean Gala

by: Stephanie Horsman
28/09/2019

International celebrities have gathered in Monaco for the third annual Monte Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean hosted by Prince Albert II of Monaco. The gala is known for having the most jaw-dropping auction items ever offered, many put forward by Prince Albert himself, all in support of his foundation’s initiatives for marine conservation.

It was at the terraces of the Opera Garnier that a-list celebrities, dignitaries, royalty and a host of international personalities came together on Thursday 26th September for the highly anticipated Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean. Elaborately decorated in an underwater theme, the event now serves as the main fundraiser for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

AI Robot Sophia © Eric Mathon Palais Princier

Social humanoid robot Sophia AI made an appearance, while guest of Honour Robert Redford was rewarded for his lifelong environmental preservation work.

“Well before the environment became a global issue he chose to try to take concrete steps to protect our planet,” said Prince Albert. “This commitment has shaped a significant part of his life and even, I think, influenced some of his career choices. He showed that it was possible to combine professional excellence with respect for these values. That is a lesson for all of us.” 

Prince Albert with Sibylle Szaggars Redford and Robert Redford ©Eric Mathon Palais Princier

Nicole Kidman, Uma Thurman and Andy Garcia all served as Masters of Ceremony, while special guests Patricia Arquette and Jane Seymour joined the Prince on stage to raise awareness about the crisis facing our Ocean.

In a nod to the event’s theme, Gwen Stefani appeared in a baby blue Elie Saab dress with a long train and bodice pleats that mimicked undulating waves. Stefani not only attended the gala but also performed, as did Andrea Bocelli, Kool & the Gang and Robin Thicke.

Other guests included Adriana Lima, April Love Geary, Tommy Hilfiger, Isabeli Fontana, and Jasmine Sanders.

A selection of the most incredible items and lifetime experiences went under the hammer in an auction conducted by Simon de Pury, including a private dinner with Prince Albert, his personal electric powerboat, and a ceramic owl fashioned by Picasso. Funds raised will support the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s marine conservation projects.

 

Céline Dion in concert

by: Stephanie Horsman
28/09/2019

SBM has just announced that Canadian diva and legend Céline Dion will be performing in the Place du Casino for a one-night only show next July. 

As part of the singer’s Courageworld tour, she will make a stop in the Principality on 18th July 2020 to give an exceptional concert for fans, many of whom have not had a chance to see her live since her last concert at the sold-out Allianz Riviera show in Nice in 2017.

The concert attracted 32,000 and was the first to be held at the new stadium.

For her English-speaking fans, the French-language only tour meant they missed hearing her perform some of her greatest hits. This concert will make up for that.

The artist has sold more than 230 million albums worldwide in her long career.

Tickets are on sale from 21st November both at the SBM ticket office and on her official website www.celinedion.com

This will be the only stop on the Côte d’Azur for Dion on her new tour.

 

 

Monaco lays out new eco-friendly construction plans

by: Stephanie Horsman
28/09/2019

Over 200 representatives from Monaco’s construction industry and town planning professionals have come together to put forward it’s new plan to approach sustainable growth in the Principality.

Government Counsellor-Minister of Equipment, Environment and Urban Planning Marie-Pierre Gramaglia led a meeting last week to discuss the Principality’s new approach to urban planning. Called the Mediterranean Sustainable Buildings of Monaco (BD2M) plan, it offers a “tailor-made” approach to sustainable construction to ensure all future projects meet the guidelines set out by the Mission for Energy Transition programme launched by the government.

“The environmental and energy performance of buildings accounts for more than 30% of the Principality’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions,” said Marie-Pierre Gramaglia. “It is a priority axis of the government’s policy in terms of energy transition and reduction of our GHGs.”

The plan is based on the free and cooperative exchange of ideas, techniques, skills and experiences amongst the construction professionals of the Principality. This collective endeavour has produced a novel way of ensuring all new buildings will be of the best quality in terms of environmentally sustainable construction, and well within the procedures set of by the Prince’s government.

The Mediterranean Sustainable Buildings of Monaco method will be employed in the building of all public construction, renovation and new project, effective immediately.

The final goal is for Monaco to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half as of 2030 and to become carbon neutral by 2050.