Remote working officially came to an end at the start of June for employees in the Principality, with the notable exception of those who live or reside in Italy.
Lockdowns and Covid-19 brought about a massive rise in the number of people who carried out their jobs from their homes in 2020 and 2021. This increase stemmed primarily from concerns about having people in close contact, as well as the need to stay in compliance with travel restrictions that were in place, especially during the darkest days of the pandemic.
Now, with case numbers shrinking and nearly all other Covid-related rules eased, remote working, one of the final regulations, has come to an end. The final date of 31st May has come and gone and it is anticipated that the rule will be formally abolished imminently for employees and civil servants who reside in Monaco and France.
Telecommuting will not end entirely for all, though. As set out in a law that was passed on July 2016, employers can choose to allow some workers to carry out their duties from a remote location up to two-thirds of the time. But in the strictest sense, telecommuting is no longer a requirement, and it remains to be seen how many remote workers will still do so.
Whilst Monegasques and the French are no longer remote-working in the Principality, for the time being, those living in Italy still are. This is due to a teleworking agreement that was signed in May 2021 but has not yet been ratified by the Italian parliament. Once this has been done, then Italian workers will be able to return to their places of work as before.
The Monaco Philosophical Meetings is organising a six-day event, PhiloMonaco Week, with discussions and lessons devoted to hashing out the issues of modern life and times with like-minded people.
Today’s world is a complicated and complex place, filled with triumphs and pitfalls, but all with meaning. No one understands this better than the members of the Monaco Philosophical Meetings, who are putting on an event from 7th to 12th June where people of all different opinions and backgrounds can have open conversations, participate in round tables, and be a part of lessons dedicated to ecology, education, care, women’s issues, and the pleasure of philosophizing.
Some of the highlighted speakers booked for the event are Cynthia Fleury, Fabrice Luchini, Camille Froidevaux-Metterie, Éric Marty, Chantal Birman, Serge Audier, Divya Dwivedi, Emanuele Coccia, Karol Beffa, Camille de Toledo, Éric Fiat, Edwige Chirouter, Michaël Fœssel, Frédéric Lenoir, and Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, and there will be several well-known local personalities attending.
The event has two showcased evenings, not to be missed. The first is the Awards Evening, set for 9th June at 8pm at the Princess Grace Theatre. This free event, which is open to all, is chaired by Charlotte Casiraghi and presented by founding member of the Monaco Philosophical Meetings Raphael Zagury-Orly. The Awards Evening will celebrate a book, give Honorary Mention to a publishing house who promotes philosophical literature, and will offer the High School Prize awarded to two high school students for exceptional work.
The second standout evening is a reading by Fabrice Luchini of The Nietzsche Mystery on Saturday 11th June at 7pm at the Monte Carlo Opera. After the reading will be a talk with philosopher Eric Fiat. This event is by reservation only. Tickets are available on https://www.montecarlosbm.com/fr/spectacles-monaco/le-mystere-Nietzsche
For a complete list of the all events on the programme, visit the event website on www.philomonaco.com.
Environmental Photography Awards winners on show in open-air exhibit
An elephant that lay dying amongst a pile of plastic waste in Sri Lanka is a heart-wrenching image that is hard to ignore on the Larvotto Promenade. It has also just been awarded top prize in the Environmental Photography Awards 2022, organised annually by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
It may be only the second edition of the Environmental Photography Awards, but the impact of this awareness raising initiative by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is incredibly forceful.
Displayed along the sun-drenched Promenade at Larvotto Beach are large prints of the most beautiful photographs of this year’s competition; the best of 8,000 images submitted by 2,000 photographers from across the globe.
The Foundation’s idea is to relay the connection between humans and nature, both positive and negative, and it was up to a jury of professional photographers to select the overall winner of the Environmental Photography Awards 2022, as well as five categories: Humanity versus Nature, Towards a Sustainable Future, Polar Wonders, Life Under the Surface and Beneath the Canopy.
On Wednesday 1st June it was revealed that Easa Lebbe Muhammed Jamsith had won the Environmental Photographer of the Year Award for his heartbreaking photograph Tears.
Tears by Easa Lebbe Muhammed Jamsith, photo by Monaco Life
“In Sri Lanka, there is a garbage dump near the forest in Oluvil,” explains Easa Lebbe Muhammed Jamsith. “It was a tragedy to learn on the morning of 5th January 2022 that an elephant was about to die in this landfill. I immediately alerted the wildlife authorities and rushed to the scene. As soon as I arrived, I saw the Himalayan creature cowering in pain, so much so that it could not even stand up and had lost its strength. I approached to take the picture and she looked at me with tears in her eyes. Wildlife officers accompanied by a doctor examined the elephant and reported that it was suffering from a sudden blockage of the oesophagus due to the daily ingestion of polyethylene waste (food packaging), a phenomenon that has already taken place six times in this landfill and which testifies to the relationship that men have with nature.”
Easa Lebbe Muhammed Jamsith has made it his mission to raise public awareness about the crisis facing the environment. Tears is part of that mission.
“Photography competitions are essential because they allow us to give a voice to creatures and habitats in danger,” says Daisy Gilardini, President of the 2022 jury. “Through their ability to reach a very large audience, they help raise awareness among as many people as possible. This year’s award-winning photograph vividly illustrates the devastating anthropogenic consequences of our consumer society. The stillness of the image, achieved by framing the dying elephant in the centre of the photo, is both poignant and gruesome. The duty of committed photographers is to stimulate audience’s emotions in order to move them from apathy to action. This year’s winning photo does just that.”
Alongside each photograph displayed on the Larvotto Promenade is a QR code that the public can scan to understand more about the story behind each image.
The open air exhibition at the Larvotto Promenade, photo by Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life
In the Humanity versus Nature category, Tran Van Hong won for his photograph entitled Disaster. In this scene, the photographer captures the moment when two children are fleeing a forest devastated by fire and waste, a testament to the negative impact of man on nature, exposing the most vulnerable populations to the risks linked to pollution and climate change.
Far less traumatic is Simone Tramonte’s Net Zero Transition (II), which was awarded top prize in the Towards a Sustainable Future category. It shows the largest hydroponic greenhouse in southern Europe, located in Italy, which is based on the principles of a circular economy. The image is a spotlight on the innovations and solutions that are emerging in the face of an uncertain future and which gives us hope for a more conscious and sustainable life.
Indeed, with this latest edition, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation wanted to deliver a message of hope, “that together we can still act in a meaningful way, if we join forces to limit the effects of climate change and promote the resilience of ecosystems.”
In the Life Under the Surface category, Yung Sen Wu was awarded for his photograph Pacific Red Sockeye, his “remarkable execution” being highlighted by the jury. Glowworm by Haikun Liang won top honour in the Beneath the Canopy category. In this exceptional scene, glow worms dance in the middle of a forest in Guandong, China.
Kirstin Jones took top stop in the Polar Wonders category for The Great Trek, a photograph taken during an expedition to Antarctica. The photographer was able to capture three Gentoo penguins – a species considered to be “near threatened” – crossing the mountains to reach their colony.
Two hears, one love by Sultan Ahmed Niloy, photo by Monaco Life
Meanwhile, the general public were invited to vote online for their favourite and chose Mathieué Courdesses for his photograph Black and Wild, featuring a silverback gorilla encountered during an expedition to Rwanda.
“Exhibiting these large format prints is a precious opportunity to bring the environmental values dear to the Sovereign and the Principality to the general public while inviting us to rethink our relationship with Nature,” says the Foundation.
The open-air exhibition will run until 29th June on the Promenade du Larvotto, in Monaco. The exhibition is also available to view online here.
Top photo by Easa-Lebbe-Muhammed-Jamsith
Photos: Star-studded amfAR gala raises €18 million
This year’s amfAR Gala Cannes was back in full force after a rollercoaster two years of pandemic uncertainty and travel restrictions, raising €18 million for amfAR’s HIV/AIDS programs and honouring Robert DeNiro in the process.
Celebrities, philanthropists and the “who’s who” of the global jetset came out to support amfAR’s 28th edition of the gala at Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, alongside guest of honour Robert DeNiro, on Thursday 26th May.
Ricky Martin opened the evening with a firecracker of a hip-shaking performance, Charli XCX kept the energy high between auction lots with three of her latest hits, Christina Aguilera gave a second wind of energy to close the night, warming up the guests for the after-party that followed.
Legendary auctioneer Simon de Pury led the bidding wars between guests as they battled it out for high-priced items and priceless experiences. AmfAR’s Global Fundraising Chairman Milutin Gatsby supported de Pury’s auction efforts.
CAP D’ANTIBES, FRANCE – MAY 26: (L to R) Alejandro Nones, Eva Longoria, Edgar Ramirez and Naomi Campbell attend the amfAR Cannes Gala 2022 at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 26, 2022 in Cap d’Antibes, France. (Photo by Gisela Schober/Getty Images for amfAR)
Guests who came out to support amfAR included Robert DeNiro, who helped raise €700,000 in the auction with a donation of his father’s artwork and a private lunch with the winning bidder, as well as Baz Luhrmann, Carine Roitfeld, Caroline Scheufele, Cynthia Erivo, Eva Longoria, Ever Anderson, Julian Lennon, Kate Hudson, LaKeith Stanfield, Laura Linney, Lauren Remington Platt, Michelle Rodriguez, Michelle Williams, Michelle Yeoh, Milla Jovovich, Mohammed Al-Turki, Rita Wilson, Sam Bankman-Fried, Tom Hanks, Vanessa Hudgens, amfAR Board Co-Chairs T. Ryan Greenawalt and Kevin McClatchy, amfAR Trustee Vin Roberti and amfAR Global Fundraising Chair Milutin Gatsby.
CAP D’ANTIBES, FRANCE – MAY 26: Christina Aguilera performs on stage during the amfAR Cannes Gala 2022 at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 26, 2022 in Cap d’Antibes, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/amfAR/Getty Images for amfAR)
Also in attendance were Casey Affleck, Tommy Hilfiger, Edgar Ramirez, Alex Pettyfer, Alton Mason, Bianca Brandolini, Boris Kodjoe, Candice Swanepoel, Cara Delevingne, Charlotte McKinney, Claire Foy, Ciara, Cindy Bruna, Charli D’Amelio, Charlbi Dean, Coco Rocha, Dee Hilfiger, Dylan Brosnan, Diplo, Elizabeth Sulcer, Elsa Hosk, Georgia Fowler, Heart Evangelista, Indya Moore, Isabeli Fontana, Jessica Wang, Jourdan Dunn, Julian Lennon, Kat Graham, Kevin Dillon, Kristina Romanova, Lena Situations, Leonie Hanne, Liza Koshy, Lorena Rae, Luna Bijl, Marianne Fonseca, Matteo Bocelli, Milutin Gatsby, Naomi Campbell, Natasha Bassett, Nicole Parker, Nina Dobrev, Olivia Culpo, Paul Anderson, Pom Klementieff, Sabrina Carpenter, Sabrina Elba, Shalom Harlow, Shaun White, Stella Maxwell, Victoria Barbara, Winnie Harlow, and Zoey Deutch.
Carine Roitfeld curated and produced the evening’s fashion show, presented by Co-Chairs Milla Jovovich and Eva Longoria, which later sold in its entirety for €800,000. Participating designers included Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Gucci, Chanel, Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Fendi, Tom Ford, Jacquemus, Valentino, Giambattista Valli, Armani, Alaïa, Versace, Monot, Nensi Dojaka, Dior and more.
CAP D’ANTIBES, FRANCE – MAY 26: Models walk the runway in the fashion show during the amfAR Cannes Gala 2022 at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 26, 2022 in Cap d’Antibes, France. (Photo by Gisela Schober/Getty Images for amfAR)
The models in the fashion show included Jodeci, Xu Meen, Jordan Barrett, Joshua Seth, Paul Hameline, Braien Vaiksaar, Sara Sampaio, Blesnya Minher, Faretta, Madison Headrick, Valery Kaufman, Noemie Lenoire, Shayna McNeill, Ines Rau, Candice Huffine, Ashley Graham, Cindy Bruna, Mao Xiaoxing, Evelina Lauren, Claire Delozier, Hiandra Martinez, Luna Bijl, Ajok Madel, Denise Ascuet, Daphne Groeneveld, Isabeli Fontana, Stella Duval, Issa Lish, Akon Changkou, Bente Oort, Lineisy Montero, Shanina Shaik and more.
Presenting Sponsors were FTX as the official cryptocurrency partner of the gala, and Red Sea International Film Festival. Signature sponsors included Chopard, which donated a unique pair of diamond earrings from the red-carpet collection to the live auction, and Jelenew, which worked with fashion designer Stéphane Rolland to create a custom dress that was included in the fashion show.
Charlotte Tilbury served as the official beauty partner, providing skincare and make-up products and professional make-up artists for the fashion show. Revolve, in association with The h.wood Group, was amfAR’s after party host. The amfAR Gala Cannes was produced by Andy Boose/AAB Productions.
Over the years, amfAR Gala Cannes has raised a cumulative total of more than €245 million for amfAR’s lifesaving AIDS research, HIV prevention, treatment education, and advocacy.
Click on the gallery below to see more pictures from the amfAR Gala Cannes (Photos by Gisela Schober/Getty Images for amfAR)…
Top photo: Simon de Pury and Robert De Niro speak on stage during the amfAR Cannes Gala 2022 at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc on May 26, 2022 in Cap d’Antibes, France. (Photo by John Phillips/amfAR/Getty Images for amfAR)
Katie Lister is a global luxury brand consultant and marketing executive, and a contributing writer for Monaco Life.
The government is helping to improve employment access for the Principality’s youth, unveiling a new website to be used by both job seekers and companies looking for staff.
The youth are the future. It’s the age-old adage that holds true for every generation in every era in history, and in the Principality, the welfare of the young people is taken very seriously.
As such, the government’s Youth Employment Unit under the Employment Services is launching a new website “entirely dedicated to the professional integration of young people in the Principality” with the support of the Department of Social Affairs and Health and the Interministerial Delegation in charge of the Digital Transition.
The new website is said to be easy to access and use. According to the government, it is a practical tool that centralises information and offers solutions to young people seeking employment, whilst allowing them to discover and familiarise themselves with the different sectors of activity, trades and training available to them as potential career paths.
The site also offers employers practical information on the various schemes and aids that make it advantageous for them to recruit young people. A virtual space is dedicated to each registered company, allowing it to gain visibility, but also to promote its activities and values, as well as to let young people know about any work-study program or internship.
“With this new digital tool, the Prince’s Government wishes to multiply initiatives aimed at guaranteeing the dynamics of youth employment in the Principality,” says Minister of Social Affairs and Health Christophe Robino. “It gives young people better visibility of Monegasque companies and employment opportunities while allowing companies to recruit the most suitable profiles.”
The website is part of a raft of new initiatives being put in place to boost the desirability factor of Monaco, which also include the relaunch of the Strategic Council for Attractiveness whose mission is to propose tools for planning and analysing the Principality’s economic, social and cultural vitality.
“This new portal for our young talents once again reflects the Prince’s Government’s desire to refocus on service to users by offering them easy and quick digital access to all information related to the world of work,” adds Frédéric Genta, Interministerial Delegate for Attractiveness and Digital Transition. “This generation represents the future of the Principality, and by offering them excellent service, our administration is making a major contribution to the attractiveness of the country.”
An intrepid team of rowers are setting out to row 400 nautical miles around Scotland later this month to raise money for the Monaco Red Cross’s Action Ukraine project.
From 27th June to 8th July, eight hearty people are taking on a perilous journey, circumnavigating the wild waters of Scotland in an 11.8 metre open rowing boat all in the name of charity. This is only the second time such a trip has been made, and the first time any Monaco resident has taken part.
The expedition, which has been dubbed the Red Cross Row, will start by passing the beaches of Oldshoremore, following the rugged coastlines of the Inner and Outer Hebrides, before heading toward the Orkney Islands. They will then pass the northern tip of Scotland and head down the eastern coast as far as the Caledonian Canal, where they will turn inland passing by Fort William to the Sound of Mull and the Isle of Skye.
The beautiful and varied scenery and wildlife will make for an incredible journey, but there are pitfalls as well. The sea in the region is known for its treacherous waters, dangerous currents and rocky shores, and the weather is often unpredictable.
Northrop & Johnson have provided the financial backing for the expedition in support of a fund-raising project called Action Ukraine, which was set up by the Monegasque Red Cross to help those affected by the war. Coote is looking to raise in excess of €25,000 for this cause.
“Millions of people in Ukraine are now without their family, their home, comfort or safety,” said Coote. “Putting myself in the same position, albeit just for a few days, will hopefully help to highlight their plight and raise donations to support them.”
