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Day: 1 November 2023

The future of AI: G7 leaders agree on international guiding principles and code of conduct

by: Niki Borisova
01/11/2023

The EU has welcomed a decision by G7 leaders to agree on International Guiding Principles and a voluntary Code of Conduct for AI developers.

The G7’s International Guiding Principles comprise 11 critical guidelines for organisations involved in the development, deployment, and use of advanced AI systems. These principles encourage responsible information sharing, the reporting of AI-related incidents, and investments in cybersecurity. Also, a labelling system is introduced, allowing users to distinguish AI-generated content.

The EU’s call for responsible AI development

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, applauded this collaborative effort, stating, “I am pleased to welcome the G7 international Guiding Principles and the voluntary Code of Conduct, reflecting EU values to promote trustworthy AI. I call on AI developers to sign and implement this Code of Conduct as soon as possible.”

Creating a code of conduct for responsible governance

Informed by the results of a stakeholder survey, the Guiding Principles have been collaboratively developed by the EU and other G7 members, forming the basis for the creation of a Code of Conduct. This voluntary Code of Conduct will offer practical guidance to organisations engaged in AI development and promote responsible AI governance worldwide.

Both the principles and the Code will undergo regular reviews and updates to ensure they remain effective and aligned with the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

“Trustworthy, ethical, safe, and secure, this is the generative artificial intelligence we want and need,” said Věra Jourová, Vice-President for Values and Transparency. “With the international principles and the Code of Conduct, the EU and our like-minded partners can lead the way in ensuring AI’s benefits while addressing its risks.”

Embracing international collaboration for AI standards

The G7’s Hiroshima Artificial Intelligence Process is part of a broader international dialogue aimed at establishing global standards and guardrails for AI. These dialogues occur within various international forums, including the OECD and the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence.

The EU, which is already pioneering AI regulations through the EU AI Act, actively participated in developing these international commitments.

The G7 leaders’ agreement on International Guiding Principles and a voluntary Code of Conduct for AI developers represents a milestone in the global effort to ensure that AI technologies are developed and used responsibly.

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Image source: Steve Johnson, Unsplash

 

 

Palatial Cannes property hits the market for €120 million

by: Stephanie Horsman
01/11/2023

Monaco Life takes you inside Le Palais Vénitien, one of the largest and most expensive properties to come to market in the French Riviera.

There are villas and then there are super-villas. Le Palais Vénitien in Cannes definitely falls under the second category, with its 2.4 hectares of land, 3,000m2 of living space, nine bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, and 13 rooms.

Vénitien and Byzantium architecture rule the day here at this La Croix des Gardes palace, with epic columns, arches and mouldings a reflection of classic Vénetian design.

The property spans over 2.4 hectares of prime real estate. Photo: Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty

“The palace was built by the current owner, and was designed to be a perfect blend of respect for the tradition of the Côte d’Azur’s finest historic residences and today’s high standards,” Frédéric Barth, CEO of Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty and listing agent, tells Monaco Life.

“The Palais Vénitien (Venetian Palace) distinguishes itself from other amazing properties in Cannes and on the Côte d’Azur by its unique architectural style, inspired by authentic old Italian palaces. Its truly exceptional dimensions and spacious volumes offer vast living and reception areas, perfectly designed for entertaining guests and family members.”

The palace was commissioned by a Saudi family and designed by architect Andrea Palladio. It was completed in 1999.

Floor to ceiling windows dominate the home. Photo copyright: Photo: Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty

Unparalleled luxury in a world-famous location

The term “sea views” seem a paltry description of what can be found at Le Palais Vénitien. Its elevated position ensures breathtaking views of the city and the magnificent coastline, complemented by expansive terraced grounds that include a private lake, tennis court, helicopter pad, secluded woodlands, a massive fountain and two outdoor swimming pools.

There is a separate service entrance and plenty of parking. For the ultimate French Riviera lifestyle, there’s a large BBQ area and outdoor kitchen, outside lounge and dining rooms for al fresco fun, and a private night club for those who really like to party the night away.

“The palace’s facilities are of the highest quality, including a remarkable cinema, a real nightclub, an exceptional garden with a pond and an island at its centre, all home to over 100 koi carp,” adds Frédéric Barth.

The property features large living spaces and nine bedrooms. Photo: Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty

High-tech advantages

The aesthetics are paired with all the modern touches and high-tech advantages that money can buy. Home systems, faultlessly integrated into the space, include light, music, temperature, security and audio-visual controls, as well as a home cinema, nightclub, gym, indoor swimming pool, sauna, hammam and a stocked wine cellar. Meanwhile, a lift can transport the owners and their guests between floors.

All of this luxury comes at the cool asking price of €120 million, making it one of the most expensive properties to hit the market in recent years.

Le Palais Vénitien in Cannes is listed with Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty.

The property is amongst the most expensive to hit the market in the French Riviera. Photo: Côte d’Azur Sotheby’s International Realty

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By Stephanie Horsman and Cassandra Tanti

 

 

All the changes in France this month

by: Stephanie Horsman
01/11/2023

From the obligatory use of snow tyres in mountainous regions to the Mois Sans Tabac campaign and support programme for smokers wanting to quit, here’s a rundown of all the changes coming into force in France from 1st November.  

NO EVICTION PERIOD 

The start of November triggers the five-month winter break that prevents landlords from evicting tenants due to unpaid rent, being nuisances or non-compliance with co-ownership regulations. 

The so-called trêve hivernale runs from 1st November to 31st March and is intended to protect people who may otherwise find themselves homeless during the coldest months of the year. 

MOIS SANS TABAC 

November is Mois Sans Tabac in France, a month in which those who want to stop smoking can access a free support programme. Along with daily advice and motivation, smokers can join in with chat groups and speak directly to professionals for personalised help to kick the habit for good on the chatline 3989.  

WINTER WEATHER 

The first snow has fallen on France’s mountains; well-timed with the annual government reminder that all vehicles with four or more wheels must transition to winter tyres.  

As previously reported by Monaco Life, the term ‘winter tyres’ covers all tyres that are marked with M+S, M.S or M&S, or the alpine symbol known as 3PMSF (3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake) alongside an MS variation. All season or four weather tyres are not considered acceptable if they don’t have one of the previously mentioned symbols. From 2024, only tyres with the 3PMSF option will be valid. In all cases, each wheel of the vehicle must be fitted with snow tyres. If not changing to winter tyres, drivers must make sure they have snow chains or snow socks for a minimum of two out of four wheels in the boot. 

Those flouting the rules risk a 135€ fine if they are stopped by police. 

Signs will alert drivers when they are entering a zone where these precautions are required. A list of communes near Monaco that are affected by the rules is available here. 

AMICABLE SETTLEMENT HEARINGS 

From 1st November, amicable settlement hearings have been officially added to the roster of other “friendly” methods of resolving disputes. Intended particularly for quarrels involving construction, inheritance or liquidation of matrimonial property, these hearings will involve a judge whose purpose is to mediate an agreement between the opposing parties in a timely, non-aggressive way.  

“Trial breaks” have also been incorporated into the system, allowing those involved in a dispute to ask judges to focus on a specific part of an issue that needs to be solved. If the judge agrees, only that issue is looked at.  

SUPPLEMENTARY PENSIONS – AND FEES

Employees working in the fields of industry, commerce and agricultural services must now contribute to the Agirc-Arrco supplementary pension plan.  

The plan is aimed at benefitting more than 13 million current retirees and guarantees a supplementary pension to basic social security payments for future pensioners. Starting 1st November, recipients will see a 4.9% increase in their monthly pay-outs to help keep up with inflationary pressures.  

For more information, click here.

 

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Photo source: Daniel Foster, Unsplash

‘The Prince at the Heart of the Circus’ to tell the story of Prince Rainier’s love of the Big Top

by: Stephanie Horsman
01/11/2023

The Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival turned 50 this year and, coinciding with the centenary celebrations of its founder, Prince Rainier III, a special exhibition is being held to mark the two special occasions. Here’s when and where to find ‘The Prince at the Heart of the Circus’. 

It’s been a half century since the very first Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival in 1974. A labour of love for Prince Rainier III, who notoriously adored life under the Big Top, the event has since grown over the years to become one of the premiere circus events in the world.  

EXHIBITION 

To commemorate both the 50th anniversary of the festival and the 100th anniversary of the birth of Prince Rainier, an exhibition is being held from 22nd November 2023 to 28th January 2024 at the Terrasses de Fontvieille, formerly known as the Automobile Museum. 

‘The Prince at the Heart of the Circus’ will feature a vast collection of circus-related photos, footage and costumes collected over the years, as well as never-before-seen papers and personal memorabilia. 

46TH EDITION OF CIRCUS 

From 19th to 28th January 2024, the 46th Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival and 11th New Generation Festival will return to Fontvieille to thrill and enchant audiences of all ages.  

The poster for the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival next January

What initially began as a way for Prince Rainier to support circus families has become both a Monaco tradition and an internationally-respected showcase of circus talent new and established. 

To kick off ‘circus season’, a parade is set to travel through the Principality on the afternoon of 13th January 2024, departing the famous Chapiteau in Fontvieille and ending at the Prince’s Palace. The procession will culminate in an exclusive open-air show in front of the Palace. More information on the parade is expected in the coming weeks.  

Tickets for the Circus Festival are already on sale and can be purchased here. 

 

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Photo source: Monaco Communications Department

France lays on the charm with new campaign aimed at investors from North America, India, UAE and Germany

by: Elsa Carpenter
01/11/2023

France has set its sights on new partnerships with investors from the US, Canada, India, the UAE and Germany with the recently launched ‘Make It Iconic. Choose France’ campaign that features some of the nation’s most recognisable and emblematic personalities, from football’s Kylian Mbappé to designer Philippe Starck.  

Playing up to that je ne sais quoi français to full extent, this new communication campaign from the French government has homed in on the nation’s “boldness, innovation, the passion for expression and skill”.  

And the campaign sure is bold in its approach, proclaiming, “We cannot resign ourselves to a future written by others… Challenge the status quo. Choose unexplored paths. Aim for the extraordinary as you shatter the ordinary. Elevate the present and inspire future generations.” 

In its line of sight are potential investors and multinational companies from the five powerful nations of the US, Canada, India, the UAE and Germany, which the campaign is reaching out to with targeted logistical information on setting up a business or branch in France as well as how the nation is embracing international partnerships in a range of different sectors and industries. 

France as Europe’s “leading destination for foreign investments”

France is currently the “leading destination for foreign investments in Europe” and had established a dedicated government-run team to help guide interested investors through its legal and tax environment in the form of Business France. 

The ‘Make It Iconic. Choose France’ campaign is specifically targeting the nations of the US, Canada, India, the UAE and Germany. Photo via official campaign website

The campaign champions France’s legacy in the fields of gastronomy, culture, sport, science and even fashion as well as its unique heritage to paint a picture of a nation confident in own skin. The use of some of France’s most talented figures of the day, from football star Kylian Mbappé and rugby legend Antoine Dupont to the iconic designer Philippe Starck and aspiring astronaut Sophie Adenot, drives home a sense of homegrown talent that the nation is so keen to promote, but the campaign doesn’t shy away from a keenness to collaborate on an international scale. 

“France is a land of daring character and excellence, committed to a thorough transformation of its industry for the world of tomorrow,” reads the campaign website. “Let’s support, finance and accelerate transitions to a fairer and more sustainable world… Choosing France is banking on boldness, innovation, the passion for expression and skill.” 

The campaign is being disseminated via various state level and diplomatic networks, but you can see it for yourself in English by clicking here.  

 

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Photo source: Florian Wehde, Unsplash