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Day: 14 December 2019

MEB heads to Seoul for business opportunities

by: Stephanie Horsman
14/12/2019

The Monaco Economic Board (MEB) spent four days in the dynamic South Korean capital celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Franco-Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), as well as taking advantage of the visit to expand business opportunities between the two nations.

Ranked 4th of the world’s largest metropolitan economies, Seoul is a true Alpha World City. With a GDP of US$635.4 billion, only Tokyo, New York and Los Angeles can top it.

Monaco is poised to tap into this city’s vast economic opportunities and in anticipation of this, sent a large delegation to explore possible bilateral trade and commercial prospects. Representatives from the Monaco Economic Board were joined by members of the Sovereign Prince’s government, Visit Monaco and leaders from dozens of Monegasque-based companies, ranging from cosmetics and construction to insurance. 

The FKCCI, organisers of the unprecedented gathering, created a packed four day agenda including meetings with local politicians and business leaders, whose goals are to expand and establish new business and trade prospects. The visit also incorporated networking events and visits to cultural sites, allowing the Monegasques to get a feel for the city and its vibrant, energetic economy.

Monaco’s Chief Digital Officer Frédéric Genta (centre) and MEB CEO Guillaume Rose (2nd from right) at the meeting

A highlight of the trip was the Monaco-Korea Economic Forum, a meeting of 70 high level attendees whose speakers included Frédéric Genta, Monaco’s Chief Digital Officer, Guillaume Rose, the CEO of MEB, David-Pierre Jalicon, FKCCI’s President, Michel Drobniak, Economic Advisor to the French Embassy in Seoul and Kim Eun-Seok, Advisor to the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI).

The primary goal of this forum was to draw up mutual perspectives shared by the two countries, as well as to exchange information regarding regulatory issues and markets in general. The FKCCI, FKI and the MEB also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the Strengthening of Bilateral Economic and Commercial Cooperation, according to a press release from the Chamber of Commerce.

FKCCI’s President David-Pierre Jalicon (centre) and MEB CEO Guillaume Rose (right) at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding

Meetings were scheduled with the Presidential Committee on the 4th industrial revolution, the health committee of the National Assembly, Invest Korea, the Korean Agency for Technology and Standardisation ( KATS), the National Agency for the Promotion of the Information Technology Industry (NIPA) as well as with Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary General of the United Nations and head of a foundation in his name.

Additionally, the delegates also travelled to Songdo Smart City, west of Seoul, and to the administrative city of Sejong, in the centre of the country. 

The grand finale was the annual FKCCI Gala held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul Hotel, this year marking its 30th year, following the theme ‘Extended Monaco’. The evening was punctuated with a concert by French singer Emji and a ready-to-wear fashion show by Heil.

In all, a total of 800 economic movers and shakers met over the course of the visit.

 

 

Siya Kolisi crowned Peace & Sport Champion of the Year

by: Stephanie Horsman
14/12/2019

On an evening at One Monte Carlo, in a room filled with people who exhibit both exceptional talent and a deep care for humanity, there could be only to walk away with the top prize. In the end, it was Captain of the South African 2019 World Championship Rugby Team, Siya Kolisi, who was awarded this year’s Peace and Sport Champion of the Year.

Siya Kolisi has had quite a year. Not only did he lead his Springbok’s to victory, making him a household name in the rugby world, he was also ambassador to a programme which donated photovoltaic lamps to over 100,000 South African families who live without power, he helped expand his hometown school, he bestowed sport’s equipment to his childhood rugby club and he created a national campaign to provide 262 schools with digital tablets – the exact number of points his team scored last season.

The 28-year-old is no stranger to want. Growing up in Zwide township, he recalls often being hungry and deprived, not an uncommon occurrence in these enclaves where unemployment is high and opportunities are few. But he overcame his disadvantages through determination, and now he is actively involved in showing other kids from his hometown that they can, too.

His hard work has paid off, culminating in being honoured with this prestigious award.

Siya Kolisi is presented the Champion of the Year Award

“The Peace and Sport Awards are a unique opportunity to focus the world on sport’s initiatives for peace,”said Joël Bouzou, President and Founder of Peace and Sport. “From grassroots NGOs to governments in the world of sport. We all have a role to play and we must use this wonderful tool of sport for peace. I would also like to congratulate Siya Kolisi, Champion of the Year, who, like Nelson Mandela, has shown a unique power of sport to bring people together.”

The evening also paid tribute to several others who embody the spirit of Peace and Sport.

The CSR Initiative of the Year was given to the Danone Nations Cup, the largest children’s football tournament in the world, with more than two million participants. The event aims to encourage children to become agents of positive change in their communities.

Joël Bouzou and Prince Albert on stage at the Peace & Sport Awards

The NGO of the Year was awarded to GOALS Equal Opportunities from Haiti Football. This initiative focuses on quality education and rural inclusion to reduce illiteracy and increase school attendance for rural youth in Haiti.

Innovative Action of the Year was given to Fundación Olímpica Guatemalteca for their Records Vs Recordsprogramme. This inclusive initiative encourages participants to set sports records that are converted to local currency. The funds raised through the involvement of the whole society were used to open a new sports facility, where life skills are passed on to more than 500 young people from vulnerable communities to reduce delinquency and violence.

Diplomatic Action of the Year was won by the National Olympic Committee of Bosnia-Herzegovina and the two cities of Sarajevo and East Sarajevo for the organisation of the 14th European Youth Olympic Winter Festival (EYOF).

The Sports Organisation of the Year went to Saint-Omer Cricket Club Stars (SOCCS). Founded in 2016, this club mixes young refugees from Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Association’s mission is to use cricket as a means to overcome the high migratory tensions in the Hauts-de-France. region The Saint-Omer Cricket Club has made a significant contribution to the integration and well-being of refugees in the community.

The Development and Peace through Sport of the Year Program was given to India’s Naandi Foundation, creators of The Toofan Games. One of the largest social welfare organisations in India, The Toofan Games enable community educators to broaden the positive impact of sports programs and promote gender equality.

The Special Jury Prize went to FC Barcelona Foundation. Robot Pol is an initiative led by the FC Barcelona Foundation, in partnership with the Eric Abidal Foundation. It is part of the ‘Paediatric Emotional Wellness Program’ and is based on a robot using an audio, video and remote control software system. It gives bedridden children a chance to have an immersive experience and interact with players during workouts and games.

Finally, a posthumous award was given in memory of Guo Chuan formerly part of Monaco’s own Team Malizia, who was lost at sea in 2016 attempting to break the world record for a solo ocean crossing.

 

 

National Energy Transition Pact 2.0

by: Stephanie Horsman
14/12/2019

The National Energy Transition Pact is heading into its second year, and the government is asking signatory companies to begin ramping up their commitments with concrete plans for the future.

Last Thursday, the Mission for Energy Transition Monaco presented their latest aspirations to representatives from companies who have previously signed onto the pact, including the Grimaldi Forum, SBM Offshore, My Marketing Manager, various hotels of the Principality and offices of the State Services and Concessions.

The meeting started by covering the previous pledges made by the companies of a formal commitment followed by implementation of solid actions, an official survey of the need for exchanges, tools or training, and a measure of progress under the three central themes of mobility, waste management and energy savings.

They went on to discuss with the representatives what their next steps for the programme will be and included such ambitious ideas as adding more water points in the Principality, encouraging and expanding the use of MonaBike as an alternative mode of daily transportation for employees, building more electric vehicle charging stations and urging people to carpool rather than drive alone.

The companies and institutions will have until March 2020 to submit their choice of voluntary actions to the Mission.

The National Pact comprises a simple and comprehensible Commitment Charter, which covers all stakeholders and sets out the three major areas for action as part of the energy transition: transport, waste and energy. It is translated into annual action plans indicating what, specifically, each person or organisation who has signed up will do to contribute to the energy transition effort, highlighting the greenhouse gas emissions thus prevented.

 

 

New digital fitness ground is free for all

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/12/2019

Two new digitalised sporting and training grounds have been unveiled in Monaco, providing free, easy to use exercise facilities for all ages in the Principality.

The new MonaMove sports station and Parkour ground were officially inaugurated on Thursday 12th December by Counselor for Equipment, Environment and Town Planning Marie-Pierre Gramaglia, Chief Digital Officer Frédéric Genta, and former French international rugby player Sébastien Chabal.

“These two new accessible and free spaces illustrate the development of sport for all in the city and will contribute to improving quality of life in a fun, free and connected way,” said Marie-Pierre Gramaglia.

Sébastien Chabal’s company Vivaciti has created the technology that allows users to connect to the MonaMove equipment via a mobile app. Through the placement of sensors on each apparatus, people will be able to measure their physical activity in real time and personalise their training with the exercise and thematic programs designed by Sébastien Chabal, including muscle strengthening, posture and stretching.

“MonaMove, an outdoor sports station that is connected and free, aims to facilitate and support the practice of sport for all through digital,” said Frédéric Genta. “Driven by Extended Monaco and at the heart of the Smart City program, it is a service that will facilitate the well-being of Monegasques and residents.”

Like its twin located at the port area of Fontvieille, this station consists of 18 apparatus, integrates a complete weather station for temperature, humidity and air quality, and is 100% energy self-sufficient thanks to a solar panel.

MonaMove is located on the Stefano Casiraghi Esplanade, next to the solarium and adjacent to the new Parkour space. This 300 square metre ‘playground’ for kids and teenagers provides an opportunity for them to do Parkour – a training discipline in which people try to get from one point to another without assistive equipment, in the fastest and most efficient way possible. It was developed from military obstacle course training and has become a huge hit with youth.

With this new site, young people will be able to climb and perform acrobatic jumps on different apparatus including a Gibbon cage, a bar for precision jumps, and a pass bar. Thanks to a flashcode, they can also access videos of their efforts.

 

Photo: Frédéric Genta, Marie-Pierre Gramaglia and Sébastien Chabal © Direction de la Communication – Michael Alesi