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Day: 12 October 2023

“Power to become leaders of tomorrow”: National Council celebrates International Day of the Girl

by: Stephanie Horsman
12/10/2023
shecanhecan

To mark the International Day of the Girl, Monaco’s National Council and local organisation SheCanHeCan invited 24 secondary school students to join them for candid discussions on the role of women in society.

Since 2018, the International Day of the Girl has been celebrated in the Principality with a gathering of influential women and young high school students. This year’s edition, on Wednesday 11th October, was particularly poignant as, for the first time, the President of the National Council is also a woman.  

Brigitte Boccone-Pagès, centre, has been President of the Conseil National since 2022. Photo credit: Conseil National de Monaco

MADAME PRESIDENT 

Brigitte Boccone-Pagès, who took the reins in 2022, warmly welcomed the students invited to attend with an opening speech.  

“Dear young girls, you have the power to become the leaders of tomorrow for Monaco and well beyond depending on your ambitions,” said Boccone-Pagès. “Dear young men, you also have in your hands the power to help young girls take their place.”  

But her encouraging words were tempered by the grim reality of gender bias. 

“While progress has been made, significant challenges remain. Based on the current rate of progress, the United Nations estimates that women and girls will not achieve full equality with men and boys for another 300 years worldwide,” she continued. “Crises, unacceptable constraints of certain regimes, poverty or war as is unfortunately the case today in the Middle East… It is always young girls who are the first to suffer the consequences of human behaviour, too often at the risk of their lives.” 

START WITH THE GIRLS 

Whilst it is clear more work needs to be done to improve equality between the sexes, the President also remarked on how women have unprecedented opportunities ahead of them in terms what they can achieve and the leadership positions they can reach.  

Mathilde Le Clerc, President of the Commission for National Education, Youth and Sports, added her voice to the event, saying, “This day, which honours girls, is in my opinion just as fundamental as the Day of Women’s Rights celebrated on 8th March. Affirming women’s rights means above all starting by respecting those of girls.” 

Click on the images below to see more from the event:

 

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Photo credit: Conseil National de Monaco

Traffic disruption: road closure on rue Biovès

by: Cassandra Tanti
12/10/2023

Rue Biovès will be closed to traffic as works continue on rue Plati in the Jardin Exotique district of Monaco.

Work is set to be carried out on rue Plati, including the renewal of public networks – Telecom, water and electricity – located under the roadway on rue Biovès, as well as the creation of a separate network for wastewater, from 23rd October 23 to 22nd December.

As a result, rue Biovès will be closed to traffic from 23rd October to 3rd November, from 9am to 4:30pm, with access maintained to local residents from the intersection between avenue Crovetto Frères and rue Plati.

The work will be carried out during the October school holidays to minimise the impact on traffic.

Line 7 of the Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco will be diverted during this period, but will operate at the Plati and Crovetto stops.

The work that will continue between 3rd November and 22nd December will not require lane closures.

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Photo source: Unsplash

 

Monaco’s digital defence evolution: unveiling the new Sovereign SOC

by: Niki Borisova
12/10/2023

Monaco is making a name for itself in the world of cybersecurity. At Les Assises, the renowned cybersecurity event at the Grimaldi Forum, a revolutionary development was revealed that will reshape the Principality’s digital defences.

Les Assises brings together experts, officials, and cybersecurity professionals to explore the latest trends. Presenting innovative cybersecurity companies, it’s a vital platform for knowledge exchange, addressing critical questions within the field, and ensuring readiness for current and future challenges.

In an intimate conference at the heart of the event, Monaco’s ground breaking move that reinforces digital defences was introduced: the launch of the first private Sovereign Security Operations Centre (SOC) in the Principality.

They key speakers at the conference were Frédéric Fautrier, Director of the Monegasque Digital Security Agency, Freddy Milesi, Co-founder and President of cybersecurity company Sekoia.io, Anthony Boira, Managing Director of Monaco Cloud, and Sébastien Massé, CEO of Monaco Cyber Security.

Les Assises at the Grimaldi Forum 2023, photo by Monaco Life

Navigating the cybersecurity challenges

The leader of the conference, Sébastien Massé, started by addressing a pressing issue: data breaches costing a staggering €4 million each. Sébastien emphasised the vital role of cybersecurity in the digital age, adding, “Monaco has an ambitious cybersecurity system with many pillars”.

Addressing these pillars, Frédéric Fautrier, Director of the Monegasque Digital Security Agency, highlighted the integration of cybersecurity into Monaco’s cloud infrastructure, which “reinforces digital defences and accelerates information systems”, he told Monaco Life.

Another challenge was stressed by Freddy Milesi, Co-founder and President of Sekoia.io, who said that  “the importance of reliable real-time information and adopting a multi-cloud strategy” is imperative in overcoming cybersecurity challenges.

A united effort for stronger cybersecurity

In response to these challenges, the Monegasque Digital Security Agency, Sekoia.io, Monaco Cloud, and Monaco Cyber Security joined forces to establish the Sovereign SOC. Massé reiterated the core mission: “To protect and react, providing a secure environment where data breaches are swiftly addressed”.

The Sovereign SOC will ensure rapid responses to emerging threats. Anthony Boira, Managing Director of Monaco Cloud, also emphasised its goal to “enhance enterprise resilience”, further strengthening Monaco’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

As the conference concluded, the four key speakers signed the establishment of the Sovereign SOC, setting it into motion.

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Photo by Monaco Life

How to avoid being scammed by unscrupulous builders and repair people

by: Stephanie Horsman
12/10/2023
scam builder

Repeated reports of phoney builders and emergency repair companies scamming unsuspecting members of the public out of hundreds and even thousands of euros have given rise to a French government guide on how to avoid this upsetting situation. Here’s what you need to know.  

A leak has sprung in the kitchen sink minutes before a party, the electricity has gone out in your home whilst the rest of the neighbourhood is fine, you’ve lost your keys and can’t get into the house… It could happen to anyone. So what do you do if and when a scenario like one of these crops up? Well, most of us will get on the phone to a professional and call them out to fix the problem.  

Often that’ll be the issue resolved and the case closed, but there are repair people out there that will use a customer’s distress to their advantage.  

GROWING NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS 

Amid a growing number of complaints, the French government has decided to step in and the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention has published a series of recommendations so that everyone can protect themselves against malicious intent from these so-called pros. 

HOW TO AVOID BEING SCAMMED 

The advice recommends calling a few different repair people before making a choice. This may take a few extra minutes, but it does give consumers a chance to get together several quotes, which may vary wildly in price.

Builders and the like are obliged to give an estimate. This “devis” is only binding from the moment a customer signs to have the work done, not before. Asking a few pertinent questions, such as the difference between day and night rates in the case of an emergency call outs, could also clear up any misunderstandings before they happen.  

Additionally, online advertisers or those who put leaflets through the letterbox should also be avoided or vetted before trying them out.  

The guide also suggests asking friends, neighbours or even insurance companies for recommendations, so a list of reliable professionals is to hand when disaster strikes.  

WHAT ELSE TO LOOK OUT FOR 

Some professionals will try to “up-sell” clients, offering unnecessary services in addition to the problem at hand. Don’t agree to these add-ons straight away, and ask for a second opinion before committing.  

Always get a signed copy of any contract accompanied by the standard withdrawal form and don’t let repair people leave with replaced parts.  

“Troubleshooters have an ‘obligation of result’, which means that the repair must be real and effective,” reads the government guide. “If they do not express any particular reservations, they therefore undertake to return the device to good working order. If the device has been repaired but still does not work, a new free repair should take place.” 

AND IF THERE’S TROUBLE? 

If there are difficulties that arise from a service, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Prevention is there to assist.  

They suggest trying to reach an amicable agreement first, but barring that, unhappy customers should submit a dispute to the civil courts. Some insurers offer legal advice, which can be a helpful tool, but if they do not, it is possible to ask a local legal advice centre. These are free and intended for use in exactly these scenarios.  

If the complaints are more serious in nature, such as verbal or physical attack, contact the police or gendarmerie immediately to lodge a complaint.  

Incidents can also be reported to the Signal.Conso website, after which companies may be asked to correct the problem or provide valid explanations to a higher authority.  

For more information, please click here. 

 

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Photo source: Kenny Eliason, Unsplash  

 

Photos: Sculpture of “Explorer” Prince Albert I unveiled in Monaco 

by: Stephanie Horsman
12/10/2023
sculpture prince albert

Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Caroline have unveiled a stunning new sculpture by artist Giuseppe Ducrot that commemorates the achievements of their great-great-grandfather, Prince Albert I.

The façade of the Lycée Albert I is now adorned with an impressive new sculpture commissioned in honour of the man that gave his name to the establishment, the Principality’s “Explorer Prince” who reigned from 1889 to 1922.  

The more than five-metre-high artwork, which was created by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Ducrot as part of the 100-year commemorations of Prince Albert I’s death, was officially unveiled by Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline of Hanover on Wednesday 11th October.  

SCULPTURE prince albert
The sculpture measures more than five metres in height. Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department / Stéphane Danna

Made of glistening white ceramic, it features a bust of Prince Albert I in the centre, with regal curving sidebars, Grecian urns and two sceptres bookending a graceful crown-topped oval space.  

The Roman-born artist lives and works in his hometown, where he sculpts works made from terracotta, glazed ceramics, marble and lost-wax bronze. His pieces are inspired by the classical art of Imperial Rome, Hellenistic sculpture and the Baroque era. 

The monument is located on the path that leads to the Oceanographic Museum, a crown jewel conceived and built during Albert I’s reign, and will inspire “future generations to remember the Prince’s numerous actions in the fields of education, sciences and the arts”. 

sculpture prince albert
Prince Albert I of Monaco, who reigned from 1889 until his death in 1922, was known as the “Explorer Prince”. Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department / Stéphane Danna

 

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Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department / Stéphane Danna

Everything you need to know about No Finish Line 2023

by: Niki Borisova
12/10/2023
no finish line

In Monaco, an extraordinary event unfolds every year. The No Finish Line, now in its 24th edition, unites casual walkers and seasoned runners in a heart-warming mission to help children in need. It’s more than just a race, it’s a symbol of hope and generosity.

Since 1999, ‘No Finish Line’ has seen 164,661 participants collectively covering a staggering 4,487,241 kilometres. Their unwavering dedication has raised over €4,810,000, all directed towards projects aiding underprivileged children.

AMBITIOUS GOALS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Each year, No Finish Line sets ambitious targets that are consistently surpassed by its tireless participants. This year’s challenge is 300,000 kilometres and an equivalent sum in euros.

The race kicks off on Saturday 11th November at 2pm and runs for eight days, concluding on Sunday 19th November at 4pm. The course circles a 1,140-metre loop around the Fontvieille Big Top that will be marshalled by 30 volunteers from Children and Future.

Yakuba Ouattara, captain of AS Monaco Basket’s Roca Team, will be returning as VIP sponsor for the third year, combining his athletic prowess with dedication to this noble cause.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Teams have to pre-register on the website Children & Future, but individuals have the added option of registering in person on the first day of the event.

The registration fee for adults is €23, including a €10 deposit, while children (above 10 years) can register for €16.

BEYOND THE RACE

No Finish Line Monaco offers additional events to the main loop, including the ‘24-hour Trophy’ and the ‘8 Days’ challenge, where 45 runners push the limits of endurance.

To combat pollution, disposable cups have been replaced with reusable, eco-friendly bottles available on-site for just €1.

Professional support is always at hand to provide care and assistance to participants after their sporting endeavours.

It’s a race for the heart, and it’s a cause that unites, inspires and showcases the incredible capacity of the human spirit.

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Photo credit: No Finish Line Monaco / Andre Faure.