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Day: 11 October 2019

Caisses Sociales of Monaco pledge to energy transition plan

by: Stephanie Horsman
11/10/2019

The Caisses Sociales of Monaco (CSM) has officially joined the National Pact for Energy Transition, adding to the long list of Monegasque businesses who have signed up to the promise of sustainability.

The CSM’s Director, Jean-Jacques Campana, met Wednesday 9th October with Annabelle Jaeger-Seydoux, Director of the Mission for the Energy Transition, along with their respective teams.

CSM’s commitment is two tiered, as they are owners of buildings that house the Principality’s pension funds (Caisse Autonome des Retraites) and as a business of the tertiary sector.

The Caisses Sociales and their 240 employees already adhere to several environmentally friendly practices, such as eliminating plastic bottles and cups from the worksite, purchasing green electricity, buying an electric vehicle for business use, and making the switch from using paper to electronic means when dealing with policyholders, employees and health professionals.

Photo: Manu Vitali

These significant steps already put them on the right path, but they have plans for even more ambitious objectives now that they are members of the National Pact. They intend to continue to urge dematerialisation until they are 100% digital, will ask that employees use alternative and sustainable mobility choices when possible, install solar panels on their buildings, and conduct energy checks of their buildings periodically.

Meanwhile, the CSM and the Department of Social Affairs and Health met to discuss France’s unemployment insurance reforms and the affect they will have on Monaco. They will be working with their French colleagues in order to guarantee continuity of care for those who are currently not working, taking into account Monaco’s specifications.

 

 

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…

by: Stephanie Horsman
11/10/2019

With Christmas only 72 days away, the Principality is getting a jump start on holiday decorating.

Since 25th September, the ADAGE Company and Service Animations of the City have been busy at work putting up lights, sure to get everyone in the festive spirit.

In all, there are 122 transverse decorations, 19 holiday-themed scenes and 615 designs on candelabra that need to be set up around the Principality by the end of November. The job is immense, as nearly every street in Monaco will benefit from some kind of adornment.

In keeping with Monaco’s commitment to the environment and ecologically sustainable options, most of the decorations are made from biological substances and are certified to be GMO-free. When the holidays are over, these biodegradable installations will be composted, either by natural or industrial means.

Some innovations will also be added to this year’s illuminations, including lighting and extinguishing by remote to enable better control of energy consumption, and the launch of two new apps. The first will allow users to change the colour of the trees set up on Place d’Armes and at the Christmas Village. The second is an augmented reality application that will be placed on Promenade Honoré II.

The official lighting ceremony will take place on 22nd November at 6pm at Place du Marché in the Condamine.

IUM encourages involvement from community

by: Staff Writer
11/10/2019

The International University of Monaco has relocated from its historic home at the Stadium in Fontvielle to the new Stella Building in La Condamine. Along with a sleek and modernised campus, the University is welcoming new executive programs, and encouraging accomplished members of the Monaco community to be more involved.

Tall and white with modern curves and stylish lines, the Stella Building at 14 Rue Hubert Clerissi is the new home for the University of Monaco. A quick and convenient walk from the Gare de Monaco, IUM’s new entrance features flowers and plants framing a lovely outdoor seating area, with students and professors gathered about, enjoying the sunshine.

Within 2,000 square metres are 17 classrooms, an executive learning area, library, computer lab, student lounge, and cafeteria. The new space is modern in both design and access to technology. Besides hosting undergraduate, Masters, and MBA programs, the university has a new Executive Area which houses a new training program for financial professionals in Monaco.

Classrooms are sleek and modern, and some are convertible into larger spaces. “The new classrooms are very flexible and comfortable with the new chairs,” explains university Director Dr. Jean-Philippe Muller to his tour group, which includes John Wright, president of the Monaco Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (MVCA), along with new Junior Committee members Giacomo Bonavera and Marina Ianchauskaite. “When we open up the wall we are able to have a whole cohort of new students together in one space.”

The classrooms have beautiful views and their layout, along with those of the coworking spaces, meet the needs of today’s technologically savvy students and professors.

In addition to the tour, the group have come together to discuss ways the MVCA will be more involved with the university this year, such as inviting IUM MBA students and Alumni who are under 40 into the organisation as junior members, along with a plan to invite seasoned members of MVCA to be more involved as official mentors for university students. The MVCA will host a special event at IUM this autumn to gather interested junior members.

The International University of Monaco regularly seeks community members, businesses, and organisations to get involved in activities like mentoring, business days and business plan competitions. With the new facilities, IUM has the opportunity to create new partnerships such as the one with MVCA, and build greater community in Monaco’s professional and academic community.

 

Written by Lauren Coles