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Month: January 2020

Hollywood rallies behind Prince Albert

by: Cassandra Tanti
30/01/2020

Academy Award nominated actress Uma Thurman will be presenting HSH Prince Albert with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hollywood for the Global Ocean Gala in February, recognising his leadership and commitment to the planet and ocean conservation. 
The gala, to be held on Thursday 6th February, is being hosted by philanthropist Milutin Gatsby and supported by Chopard, who designed and crafted the exclusive Lifetime Achievement Award.
Uma Therman, who is also a dedicated conservationist and civil rights activist, said she was honoured to be presenting Prince Albert with the award. “I’m delighted to be part of the ongoing projects associated with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation in helping to take necessary action on climate change and the protection of our planet,” she said.
Meanwhile, Golden Globe winning actress and Hollywood icon Sharon Stone will present and announce the ‘Grand Earth Pledge’, an exclusive group of 33 ‘Advocates for the Planet’ ready to join forces with Prince Albert to face climate and ocean emergency, prevent the earth’s decline and preserve the future of humanity.
“There is a climate emergency, the earth is in decline and the fate of humanity is at stake,” said Sharron Stone. “We need to face this reality and decide to act now. I am delighted to be part of the Grand Earth Pledge, a group of amazing people that are taking the lead along HSH Prince Albert, to make a stand for our one and only planet.”
Chris Isaak and Macy Gray will perform at the exclusive gala dinner, hosted at a private estate in Beverly Hills for 250 privileged philanthropists and A-list celebrities.
“At a time of increasing natural disasters and climate threats impacting the delicate balance of our planet and the oceans of the world, this gala and its special award and pledge recognises the importance of shining a spotlight and taking action on these urgent issues,” said Milutin Gatsby.
Vice President of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Olivier Wenden will also be present at the awards, which will acknowledge the Prince’s “outstanding commitment to the planet, its rich biodiversity and its fragile eco-system”. Through his foundation, launched in 2006, more than 575 projects have been supported to date. The projects target three main geographical regions: the Mediterranean basin, the Polar regions and the least developed countries, all of which are heavily impacted by the effects of climate change, the loss of biodiversity and urgent threats to their water resources.
Notable achievements by the foundation include saving the Bluefin tuna species from extinction, encouraging the effective development of Marine Protected Areas, fighting plastic pollution in the Mediterranean and convincing the IPCC to produce a special report on the impact of climate change on the ocean and cryosphere.
Prince Albert is one of the world’s leading advocates for the planet, succeeding in gathering philanthropists and international artists to save the ocean during The Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean, the next edition of which will take place on Thursday 24th September 2020 in Monaco.
Photo: Prince Albert II of Monaco ©Agency Sabine Brauer Photos J.Reetz
Read more:

Stars gather for Prince’s Ocean Gala

Landmark climate report warns of ‘unprecedented’ catastrophes


 
 
 

Monte-Carlo Bay penthouse goes super-luxe

by: Stephanie Horsman
30/01/2020

Dubbed ‘Suite Eleven’, the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort has revealed that it will debut its new ultimate luxury “retreat” in April of this year.

Encompassing the entire 11th floor of the hotel, Suite Eleven is the most opulent of the Monte-Carlo Bay’s suites to date. Covering a surface area of nearly 200m2, this two bedroom mega-suite also boasts a generously-sized living and dining area, vast enough to accommodate 10 people comfortably and stylish enough to make guests wish it was their own. The crowning jewel though is the 21m2 terrace, offering one of the Principality’s most stunning 180º sea and coastline views.

An additional suite on the 10th floor is connected to Suite Eleven if room for additional guests is required, upping the number of possible overnight guests to eight.

Exclusive services above and beyond the standard are offered and include private chefs, spa treatments, a “cocoon bed” at the edge of the lagoon in high season, airport transfers and a personalised welcome.

Designed by Olivier Antoine, who recently renovated the Thermes Marins, his focus on natural materials and sustainable living spaces gives the suite a timeless feel, whilst incorporating the hotels’ signature colours of blue and beige throughout.

 

 
 

Real estate and digital to mark 2020: Serge Telle

by: Cassandra Tanti
29/01/2020

In his annual address to the press, Minister of State Serge Telle has outlined a number of subjects that are set to make headlines in 2020, including the creation of two new real estate projects and the Principality’s advances in digital technology.
Serge Telle presented his traditional good wishes to the press on Tuesday night at the Yacht Club of Monaco, saying: “The press, for me, is a political requirement, a daily pleasure and an institutional issue.” The Minister of State went on to present the merits of Monaco’s prosperity, highlighting a budget of €1.5 billion, projected revenues increasing by €160 million this year, 59,740 jobs in the private sector in the third quarter of 2019 – 3% more than in 2018 – and employment increases on average from 1,200 to 1,550 jobs per year.
On the topic of housing, Mr Telle presented the Grand Ida and Palais Honoria projects, which will create 712 apartments for Monegasques with a net balance of 639 by 2023 – as was the commitment of Prince Albert II in March with the National Housing Plan. Eventually, the Principality will provide 1,831 state apartments within the space of 15 years. The Grand Ida and Palais Honoria projects will also provide 70 new creche places, around 460 parking spaces, and new office spaces.
With regards to mobility, the minister said that new rules for using MonaBikes and electric scooters will soon be announced, while in March, the Public Safety Preservation Unit will be set up.
The digital transition was also touched on, with Mr Telle saying: “After the achievements of 2019, the €45 million in the 2020 budget will allow us to go faster and further.”
Meanwhile, referring to the coronavirus and the announcement that France has reported its fourth case, the minister confirmed that there were no cases of coronavirus in Monaco and that the authorities were vigilant and mobilised.
 
 
 

MEB in Mexico

by: Cassandra Tanti
29/01/2020

The Monaco Economic Board (MEB) has been establishing business links in Mexico City, as partners of the Monaco Private Label event.
During the gala evening in mid-January, Michel Bouquier, the main instigator, brought together more than 100 high-level Mexican economic players at the select Club de Industrials. Justin Highman, Director of Invest Monaco, had the opportunity to present the assets of the economy of the Principality of Monaco and make some important business contacts.
During this trip, Mr Highman also met relevant economic actors and counterparts from the business world, notably those with ties to Monaco. Meetings were held with the leaders of the Mexican Business Council for Foreign Trade, the Confederation of Industrial Chambers of Mexico and the Franco-Mexican Chamber of Commerce. “Constructive discussions which point to future operations in Mexico City and / or in the Principality in order to develop trade relations between the two countries,” said the MEB in a statement.
 

Bishop Barsi bids farewell

by: Stephanie Horsman
29/01/2020

After 20 years as Archbishop of Monaco, Bernard Barsi has stepped down following a moving farewell from the pulpit during the Mass of Saint Devoté.
Monday’s mass for the patron saint of the Principality was bittersweet as, with HSH Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and many members of the ecclesiastical community in attendance, Archbishop Barsi said his adieus to his flock.
The Archbishop delivered an emotional speech before the blessing, where he remembered first being appointed and spoke directly to the Sovereign Prince, saying: “Monseigneur, the late Prince Rainier III, your father, welcomed me in October 2000, having appointed me by sovereign ordinance as Grand Chaplain of his Palace. It has made me even closer to your family, whom I have accompanied in their moments of pain and joy.”
Later, at a reception held at the Oceanographic Museum, HSH Prince Albert II had his chance to tell the Archbishop: “Thank you with all my heart, in my personal name and in the name of my family, and of the whole Christian community of Monaco, for these 20 years of episcopal priesthood.”
Bishop Barsi will continue his ministry until his successor, Monseigneur Dominique-Marie David, takes his place. “We will meet here on March 8, 2020, in a delicate and significant gesture from the apostolic succession, Mgr David asked me to ordain him bishop.”
This year marks a half century of Bishop Barsi’s position as a priest. Born in Nice, he started his career in the Upper Tinée Valley before being appointed to the Vocations Service of the Foyer de Saint Paul de Nice, where for a decade he was in the service of the church helping young people. He went on to become parish priest in the Paillon Valley, then Vicar General in the diocese of Nice. In May of 2000, he was appointed Archbishop of Monaco, serving for the past 20 years.
 

PHOTO: ©Michael Alesi- Communication Department

 
Read also:

Father Dominique-Marie David, new Archbishop of Monaco

 
 

American basketball legend remembered in Monaco

by: Stephanie Horsman
29/01/2020

The Roca Team and the Ministry of State paid tribute to basketball great Kobe Bryant during a luncheon on Tuesday.
Minister of the Interior Patrice Cellario, President of AS Monaco Louis Biancheri and the President of the Monaco Basketball Federation Roland Biancheri joined the Roca Team for a lunch earlier this week to celebrate a communications partnership agreement recently forged between the Prince’s government and the AS Monaco Basketball team.
The team, ranked 2nd in the Jeep Elite and 3rd in the Euro cup standings, signed the agreement at the start of the 2109-2020 season.
At the lunch, Minister of State Serge Telle expressed his support of the Roca Team and joined them in mourning the loss of Bryant.
“I am very happy to welcome you all and to spend this moment with you. Very moved too, because this lunch comes at a particular time for basketball, with the death of the huge basketball player and the great man that was Kobe Bryant. This news touched the whole world. It affects us all. This tragic accident also reminds us of how fragile everything is and encourages us to take better advantage of the beautiful moments we have. Going to see you play and supporting you whenever I can is one of those great moments. Seeing you winning and wearing the colours of Monaco in France and in Europe is one of these beautiful moments. And having lunch with you today is one of those beautiful moments. Monaco is more than ever proud to have you and proud to support you,” he said in his speech.
Kobe Byrant was the five-time NBA winning champion shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996 to 2016. He earned the title of NBA Most Valuable Player in 2008, was an NBA Finals MVP twice in 2009 and 2010, and was the youngest player, at age 34, to reach an astounding 30,000 points in his career. He also was a two time Olympic gold medal recipient and an Academy Award winner for his 2018 animated short Dear Basketball.
He was killed last Sunday in a helicopter crash that also claimed eight others, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
 
PHOTO: ©Manuel Vitali- Department of Communication