An earthquake registering 4.1 on the Richter scale was recorded early on Tuesday morning to the north of Barcelonnette in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. It was felt as far south as the Roya Valley above Monaco.
At 8.24am on Tuesday 16th May, as many were on their way to work or dropping their children at school, an earthquake rumbled five kilometres down beneath the village of Saint-Paul-sur-Ubaye, close to the Italian border and home to some 180 inhabitants.
Though mild, at a magnitude of 4.1 on the Richter scale, the earthquake was felt as far to the south as the Roya Valley, which sits just above Menton and to the northeast of Monaco.
Earthquakes between 4 and 4.9 on the Richter scale are classed as “light”. They are easily felt by those in the region of the quake, but don’t tend to cause any significant damage to infrastructure or threat to life.
Previous to Tuesday’s tremor, the last earthquake in the area was recorded by the Bureau Central Sismologique Français on Christmas Day in 2022. That event was considerably weaker, at just 1.9 on the Richter scale.
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has launched a new programme designed to shape the leaders of tomorrow so they can be equipped with the necessary visionary skills to mould a sustainable planet.
Since its creation in 2006, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has worked in close collaboration with the younger generations, supporting young experts – scientists, activists and entrepreneurs – by awarding scholarships or by direct support for the development of their projects.
In the space of 15 years, this community has grown, integrating an increasing number of talents committed to the fight against climate change, and the preservation of the ocean, the polar regions and living soils.
The next step, according to the Foundation, is to help these remarkable people develop their leadership and amplify their visibility and their impact.
It is with this mission in mind that the ‘Re.Generation Future Leaders’ initiative was designed and built. It revolves around three major objectives: supporting the growth of these future leaders by developing their leadership and communication skills, increasing their international visibility to make their voices heard, and bringing this generation together within a community to pool their efforts and encourage new projects.
A summer campus in Monaco
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation will welcome, for two weeks to the Principality, a dozen young talents under the age of 35 who have diverse geographical and professional origins, such as scientists, activists, entrepreneurs and media professionals, reflecting the Foundation’s holistic approach.
The people selected will not only have demonstrated a strong commitment to the preservation of the Planet, but they will also have significant achievements already and a stated ambition to drive change.
The campus programme will include: personalised training aimed at strengthening their leadership and communication skills, provided by the University of Edinburgh and INSEAD; inspiring master classes from renowned personalities such as Alejandro Agag, founder of the Formula-E championship; an exchange at the Prince’s Palace with Prince Albert II of Monaco, sponsor of the initiative; and visits related to the environment as well as networking sessions.
The Foundation will officially introduce the members of the class of 2023 during a press conference on Monday 10th July.
Increasing the visibility of young leaders
The Foundation will then open the doors of its network to these young talents to give them maximum visibility by multiplying the opportunities available to them: speaking at international events, participation in media programs or interviews, and dedicated articles on the Foundation’s communication channels.
“This tailor-made support in communication and public relations is one of the major and differentiating assets of the Re.Generation initiative,” said the Foundation in a press statement. “The Re.Generation network will be active throughout the year to promote exchanges between its members and to stimulate a group dynamic which could give rise to new projects in favour of the protection of the environment.”
The Re.Generation programme has received the backing of National Geographic, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Euronatur, One Young World and Jackson Wild.
“The world urgently needs strong and ethical leadership and One Young World believes that young leaders are best positioned to create this movement for systematic change. With the launch of the Re.Generation Future Leaders program, One Young World is proud to work with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to support the world’s brightest young leaders. Together, we will identify leaders from diverse backgrounds who are protecting the environment. Their dedication and capacity for innovation is key building a sustainable future,” said Kate Robertson, a co-founder of One Young World.
Re.Generation also has the support of the Cuomo Foundation and the Boustany Foundation.
“It is undeniable that sustainability is the crucial issue facing us all and that we have a historic responsibility to equip the world’s youth with the necessary visionary skills. Our partnership with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation began over a decade ago with the IPCC Fellowship Program, and we are delighted to extend our support to their new environmental initiative,” said Elena Cuomo, the president of the Cuomo Foundation.
By Monaco Life with press release. Photo from left to right: Dominic Moross – Mécène Privé, Francisco Diaz – Fondation Cuomo, Olivier Wenden – Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and Majid Boustany – Fondation Boustany. Source Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation
The European Union’s economic forecast this spring is decidedly rosier than winter’s, with growth expected to reach 1% in 2023.
Back in winter 2022, the economic outlook of growth in the European Union (EU) was a not-so-exciting 0.8% for 2023, with 2024’s forecast doubling to 1.6%.
These figures have since been revised upwards, after the bloc saw a better-than-expected start to the year. Now the forecast for growth is sitting at a solid 1% for 2023 and 2024’s projections at 1.7%.
GDP UP, ENERGY PRICES DOWN
Similar upward trends have been shown for gross domestic product (GDP) growth, which is now predicted to be 1.1% this year and 1.6% next. The only rise that is not so welcome is inflationary pressures, which have gone up since winter to an estimated 5.8% in 2023 and 2.8% in 2024.
The brighter picture is thought to be in part due to the ability of the Schengen community to limit the effects of the war in Ukraine, including enduring the energy crisis, which turned out to be more temporary and less dramatic than anticipated thanks to rapid branching out of supply chains and a drop in gas usage.
“Wholesale prices of gas and electricity in the EU have come down significantly from the peaks of last year, and continued declining even after the winter forecast,” said the EU Commissioner for the Economy, Paolo Gentiloni. “Thanks to effective diversification of supply and a sizeable fall in consumption – also supported by mild winter temperatures – the major concern for the European economy, that is a disruptive shortage of gas supply, did not materialise.”
LABOUR MARKET STRONG
The job market’s strength and record low unemployment of 6% in March 2023 have made for a powerful tool in fighting economic slowdown. Employment growth is anticipated to only react slightly to slower growth, and is forecast at 0.5%, before going down slightly in 2024 to 0.4%.
Wages have gone up since last year, but inflation has chipped away at any gains employees would have seen. On the positive side, with the labour market being tight, more wage hikes are thought to be coming in several countries to ease strain.
PUBLIC DEFICITS DOWN
The pandemic and then the energy crisis brought on by the war led to extraordinary public spending, with the EU aggregate government deficit in 2022 at 3.4% of the GDP. This year, with Covid and energy support measures being phased out, the deficits are expected to fall to 3.1% and then to 2.4% in 2024.
The bottom line: recession has been avoided, growth is subdued but, all in all, economies are bouncing back at a slow and steady pace in the EU, giving reason to be optimistic.
Artcurial’s Monaco Auction Week is back this summer with an incredible array of watches, jewellery and handbags, but there’s also a new-for-this-year addition: a design department.
For some seriously impressive luxury accessories, sculptures and objets d’art, Artcurial’s summer Monaco Auction Week can’t be beat. The event, planned for 16th to 19th July at the Hotel Hermitage, is always a popular occasion, bringing together some of the most exquisite pieces to be had, including rare gems from private collections that haven’t been on the market for years, if ever.
WATCHES
The watch auctions are split into two with the men’s timepieces going under the gavel on 16th July at 6pm and the women’s on 17th July at 2pm.
A plethora of rare and vintage watches will be up for sale, including a 2007 men’s FP JOURNE Tourbillon Souverain platinum wristwatch with power reserves that is estimated to go for €150,000 to €300,000.
The FP JOURNE Tourbillon Souverain 2007. Photo credit: Artcurial
Le Temps est Féminin, the women’s sale, features a 1968 Daytona Panda with a cream dial and black sub-dials. A piece like this is almost impossible to find except at exclusive events like Monaco Auction Week.
“For several years, Le Temps est Féminin has established itself as the most glamourous watchmaking event on the French Riviera. Whether it’s the astonishing creativity of the 1950s, or the extravagance of the 1970s, our next sale will discover original pieces that we rarely see appear on the market,” said Marie Sanna-Legrand, Director of the Collection Watchmaking Department at Artcurial.
JEWELLERY
Also on 16th and 17th July, at 2pm and 6pm respectively, the auction house will hope to revisit the success of their winter event in January, which saw fine jewellery and stones sales bring in €3.3 million.
This department is packed with treasures, including a gorgeous platinum ring set with an 8.44 carat pear-shaped diamond, certified colour I with VVS2 purity, with an estimated going price of €60,000 to €80,000.
“Boucheron, Mauboussin, Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccelatti, René Boivin, etc… Our next sale already augurs surprises and very good auctions… Lovers of precious stones will be spoiled for choice in the colors: white, blue, red or green,” enthuses Julie Valade, Director of the Artcurial Jewellery Department.
HANDBAGS
Hermès and other luxury brands come up on 18th July at 2pm. For two decades, this has been a highlight of the auction season in the Principality and once again, the choices will be unbeatable. One example is a 2018 Hermès limited edition Birkin Touch 30 in sapphire blue bull calf leather and navy blue matte alligator. This elegant bag is set to be sold for between €22,000 and €32,000.
Also on 18th July, at 5pm, the fourth edition of the Monaco Sculptures auction will be held. Artcurial will take over gardens across the Principality in an incredible display of 40 or so pieces that will be on display until the end of July.
NEW FOR 2023: DESIGN
Finally on 19th July, a first for Artcurial’s Monaco Auction Week: a design showcase coming from a private collection of transalpine design. More than 90 pieces from architects and designers such as Gio Ponti, Gino Sarfatti, Fausto Melotti and Gabriella Crespi will be up for grabs along with exceptional pieces from the Campana Brothers, such as the Settimio cabinet. Only three of this piece exist, including one on display at the Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris.
“It is an honor to present this magnificent collection of Italian design at the Artcurial luxe sales in Monaco,” said Justine Despretz, Artcurial’s Italian Design Consultant. “This collection tells us the story of a woman passionate and in love with art, architecture and design, but above all with Italian know-how and craftsmanship.”
For a full list of all items at the auction and to see other events hosted by Artcurial, please click here.
Do you have an event in Monaco or the French Riviera that you would like us to include in our What’s On section and events calendar? Please email editor@monacolife.net.
Photos courtesy of Artcurial
Cannes Film Festival: Embracing change and Indiana Jones’ final adventure
The 76th Cannes Film Festival returns with Hollywood A-listers and the industry’s top filmmakers to show that mixing old and new can make a heady mix indeed.
Cannes Film Festival kicked off on Tuesday 16th May. For the next two weeks, this iconic date in the movie calendar will be proving that while some things never change, others never stay the same.
INDY’S BACK AND OTHER TRIBUTES
One of the highlights of this year’s event will be the premiere of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the final instalment of one of the film industry’s best loved franchises, on Thursday 18th May. The film sees Harrison Ford in the lead role, some 42 years after he first charmed audiences everywhere with the action-adventure blockbuster Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Ford will be on hand at the premiere and will be given an honorary Palme d’Or for his contribution to film, notably with the Indiana Jones series, but also as an actor who has stood the test of time.
Michael Douglas has also been pegged to receive a Palme d’Or this year as a tribute to his film career, which has spanned over a half century. He is to be Cannes’ Guest of Honour this year.
“It’s always a breath of fresh air to be at Cannes, for so long a wonderful platform for daring creators, artistic daring and excellence in storytelling,” Douglas said in a statement. “After more than 50 years in the industry, it is an honour to return to the Croisette to open the festival and embrace the universal language of cinema that we share.”
Director Martin Scorsese, who at 80 is still making films, will debut his highly anticipated movie Killers of the Flower Moon as well, exactly 50 years after his first appearance at Cannes for Mean Streets.
The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert DeNiro, and is about a series of murders in 1920s Oklahoma of members of the Osage nation after oil is found on their land.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Seven female directors are vying for the Palme d’Or this year, up two over last year, and two of these are films set in Africa. Another four films from Africa are in the running, all in the Un Certain Regard category, the parallel section of the Cannes Film Festival that highlights bold and innovative films.
This shows that Cannes is definitely trying to get some parity when it comes to gender and race equality.
CINEMA DE LA PLAGE
Whilst the celebrities are spotlighted, the public also can have some fun at Cannes. Each evening at the Festival’s outdoor theatre, a selection of films will be screened free for anyone who arrives early enough to find a place for their towel or is lucky enough to nab a deck chair.
The film choices are eclectic and range from Hollywood classics like Badlands and Thelma and Louise to European films and avant-premieres.
Screenings start at 9.30pm at Plage Macé on the Croisette.
STAR SIGHTINGS
Of course, the Festival wouldn’t be what it is without the presence of a contingent of the superstars of the screen. The best place to catch glimpses of them is at the Palais des Festivals as they make their way up the red carpet, but it’s not always easy to jockey for a good spot.
For more up-close and personal sightings, fans need to have keen eyes. Celebrities can be found everywhere in the city during the Festival, but have been known to be seen walking along the Croisette, at the bar at the Carlton Hotel, Café Roma, La Maison du Porto and Foquet’s at the Majestic.
To check out the full programme of events, please click here.
Monaco Yacht Club team Malizia-Seaexplorer have arrived second in Newport, USA, closing the gap on The Ocean Race leaders Team Holcim-PRB.
Holcim had constructed a sizeable lead early on, but that has dwindled during the last two rounds. The team encountered problems after the departure from Itajaí, Brazil, and lost their mast, which forced a withdrawal from the race.
And they weren’t the only team to pull out during the 5,500 nautical mile voyage up the Americas’ Atlantic coast. Guyot Environment-Team Europe also lost their mast two days before the end of the stage after finding themselves bang in the middle of the most ferocious storm of the race so far. No team members were hurt in either incident.
Malizia-Seaexplorer within 32 minutes of victory
Benefitting from other teams’ misfortunes was the Monegasque team, Malizia-Seaexplorer, who, skippered by Will Harris, ran a clean race. They jostled for the lead with 11th Hour Racing throughout, but after over 17 days of racing, missed out on the victory by just 31 minutes and 41 seconds.
The race is hotting up. Malizia are now level on points with 11th Hour Racing, and both are now just one point behind Team Holcim-PRB, whose lead at one point looked unassailable.
A return to Europe
“What an incredible stage; such a tight battle, and then to finish just 30 minutes behind 11th Hour Racing! I am very proud of the team that ran an incredible race and did a fantastic job. Now, we’re really in the fight in the overall standings,” said Harris.
Whilst Harris will still be onboard the Malizia-Seaexplorer during the next round, which begins on 21st May, Boris Herrmann will return as skipper. The flotilla, whose journey began in Alicante in January, will soon return to Europe. The fifth stage will reach its conclusion in Aarhus, Denmark.
