Monaco’s Prince Albert II travelled to the Geneva headquarters of the United Nations last week to officially open the 2023 Young Activists Summit in his capacity as a Head of State and as a dedicated environmentalist.
On 16th November, the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland welcomed 650 people to the fifth edition of the Young Activists Summit. The event was also streamed live to 20,000 additional participants in 144 countries around the world.
Prince Albert was given the honour of opening the event, and it was with genuine solemnity and humility that he made his speech.
“It is as a man of mature years that I would like to speak to you today,” he said, “not to lecture you, you don’t need to be lectured at all, especially by generations who are leaving the planet, the world, and peace in such a sorry state. What my age has to tell you is the opposite of a lecture. It is an encouragement. Encouragement to take course of action, to maintain your enthusiasm, your optimism and your desire to change the world.”
Prince Albert opened the evening at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. Photo credit: Young Activists Summit / Pierre Albouy
There were five laureates rewarded on the night; individuals chosen for the “remarkable impact they have driven in their communities to advance peace within their communities, and reconcile humans with nature”.
They included: Maung Sawyedollah, a 22-year-old from Myanmar who is fighting for the rights of Rohingya people; 27-year-old Maïmouna Ba from Burkina Faso for her peacebuilding efforts in the Sahel region; climate activist Nisreen Elsaim, 29, of Sudan; 14-year-old Francisco Vera from Colombia for his environmental protection efforts; and Roshni Perween, 25, of India for her actions against child marriage.
Prince Albert is pictured with the five 2023 laureates of the Young Activists Summit and the hosts of the evening, Trisha Shetty, founder of the NGO SheSays (first from left) and UN Geneva Director-General Tatiana Valovay (third from left). Photo credit: Young Activists Summit / Pierre Albouy
After those gathered celebrated the achievements of the laureates, all observed a moment of silence “to pay tribute to all victims of conflict, violence and climate change around the world”.
“We are facing many, many challenges in the world,” said UN Geneva Director-General Tatiana Valovaya on the night. “We are facing lots of human tragedies. We are facing lots of human loss and conflicts, and we need you, young people, to help us to find solutions.”
For more information on the event and to read more about the inspiring laureates of 2023, click here.
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The Monaco Red Cross (Croix-Rouge Monegasque) has revealed that the majority of the €850,000 it donated in 2023 went to the Turkey-Syria earthquakes, while the rest was in response to climate-related disasters.
Each year, the Monaco Red Cross responds to numerous appeals launched by the International Movement of Red Cross and Red Crescent to help populations impacted by natural disasters, including floods, earthquakes and cyclones, as well as humanitarian crises, armed conflicts, and health crises.
This year, the Monaco Red Cross, founded in 1948 and presided over by Prince Albert II of Monaco, provided financial assistance to the tune of €850,000, in keeping with its principles of humanity and neutrality.
On Thursday, the MRC revealed exactly where its financial aid had been directed in 2023.
The majority of the funds, €397,233, went to relief efforts following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on 6th February. The disaster caused widespread damage in an area equivalent to the size of Germany, and affected around 14 million people. According to United Nations estimates, 1.5 million people were left homeless following the quakes.
The Monaco Red Cross also channelled €100,000 in relief funds after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake shook Morocco on 9th September. Floods in Libya and Malawi both saw €10,000 directed each, while a cyclone Mocha in Burma also resulted in €10,000 worth of aid. The Libya floods impacted migratory movements of the population and as such, the Monaco Red Cross contributed to supporting these actions with nearly €25,000.
Through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Monaco Red Cross also responded to numerous appeals to help victims of armed conflicts particularly in Syria, Armenia, Burkina Faso, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Ukraine by donating €195,000.
With six weeks in the year to go, the Monaco Red Cross acknowledges its response efforts are far from over for 2023.
“Today, armed hostilities in Israel and the Gaza Strip are shaking the entire world and people caught in the escalation of violence need help. More than ever, the Monaco Red Cross remains vigilant and attentive to various situations, and responds to calls from the largest international humanitarian movement,” said the institution in a statement.
One of the major fundraising events for the Monaco Red Cross is the Red Cross Ball which takes place in the Principality every spring.
Hugo Micallef, Monaco’s first professional boxer took on the bright lights of Las Vegas – and his opponent Sergio Odabai – and won at his US debut last week.
Hugo Micallef, a name rapidly gaining traction in the boxing world, made his US debut on 16th November at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Competing against Austria’s Sergio Odabai, Micallef’s aim was to extend his unbeaten streak in a six-round junior welterweight bout.
The fight, part of the Shakur Stevenson vs Edwin De Los Santos undercard, not only marked Micallef’s first US appearance, but also his fourth fight in 2023. Streaming live on ESPN+, the event was a significant milestone for the 25-year-old Monegasque.
With an impressive record of eight straight wins with one knockout, against Denis Bartos in the first round back in September, this latest pitting in Vegas became a dream come true for Micallef as he was announced victor in the ring.
He was able to celebrate his win with an old school friend and fellow Monegasque, Scuderia Ferrari F1 racer Charles Leclerc, who was also in Las Vegas for the Grand Prix.
Expressing his support for Micallef, Leclerc shared a series of photographs of the duo on his social media accounts, writing, “Friends since school. It’s practice day for me in Vegas for the first-ever time but it is also the day of Hugo’s first-ever fight in the US. Representing well Monaco.”
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With their twins set to turn nine in a matter of weeks, Monaco’s Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene have given a candid insight into their roles as parents, sharing their hopes and concerns for the young Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella.
Ahead of the National Day of Monaco, or Fête Nationale, which took place over the weekend, Prince Albert II and his wife Princess Charlene granted a rare joint interview to the Monaco Matin, a local French language newspaper.
Although the interview covered a variety of topics, from the celebrations planned for 19th November to the year-long commemorations of Prince Albert’s late father, Prince Rainier III, there was one theme central to the open and unreserved exchange: the children that the Princely couple share.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene shared a family ‘back-to-school’ photo of the twins in September. Photo credit: Eric Mathon / Palais Princier de Monaco
Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, who were born in the Principality on 10th December 2014, will soon turn nine. They have grown up here, they go to school not far from the Palais Princier de Monaco, and they are often pictured out and about enjoying the sights of the Principality.
Most importantly, however, the young siblings will one day become the figureheads of this small but important nation.
A defining role to play
Hereditary Prince Jacques is first in line to the throne, but both children will be expected to play a role in the day-to-day runnings of the Principality as they grow up, and the siblings have already made numerous appearances alongside their famous parents at official events.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlene are, however, refreshingly aware of the importance of a real childhood.
“There is no precise age at which they will start [performing official duties],” Prince Albert told the reporters. “We will wait and make that decision when the right opportunity presents itself. We are very careful to move slowly towards these obligations, and to not overexpose them when they are too young. When they are older, of course, they will become more involved in different activities, events, ceremonies… It’s important to do things gradually, without forcing [them].”
“They are already aware of what is happening in the world”
As the son of two famous parents – Prince Rainier III and Hollywood actress Grace Kelly – Prince Albert has the advantage of having lived through a similar experience to his children, albeit without the pressure of today’s overbearing paparazzi, social media and round-the-clock news coverage of current affairs at home and abroad.
“They are already somewhat aware of what is happening in the world,” said Prince Albert. “Sometimes they see the news, they talk about [current affairs] at school. But they’re only nine years old, I don’t think they understand everything.”
“Everyone dreams of peace on this planet, but unfortunately, we are living in a time when that is just not the case,” added Princess Charlene. “It is very worrying, especially when you are a parent. Our children have a unique position. They embody the future of the Principality and we have to explain to them why we have constant protection, which allows us to feel safe wherever we are.”
The Princely family are pictured together at the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix. Photo credit: Eric Mathon / Palais Princier de Monaco
Travel is education
Although most of their life has been spent in the protected enclave of Monaco, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella are nevertheless aware and in touch with the South African roots of their mother, according to their parents.
“They are Monegasque before anything else,” insisted Princess Charlene. “We have had the opportunity to take them to South Africa many times [and] they have enormously appreciated these trips. To show them the places in which I grew up, each visit has meant a lot to me, and they often tell me that they would like to go back to see the animals, to visit the farms. We have also taken them to different countries around the world. It’s a privilege to be able to do that.”
“I don’t think that many children their age will have visited as many countries as them,” added Prince Albert, “but it is all part of their education. At the end of this year, we will travel to Antarctica on a voyage organised by the Musée Océanographique and Robert Calcagno. It will be an incredible adventure for us all, but particularly for the twins.”
The environment, a family commitment
“From a very young age, we have taught them about the importance of conservation and the preservation of nature. We have gardened together, they have learnt to dive at Pierre Frolla’s school in order to understand the seabed and, every year, I have taken them along to World Clean Day to help clean the streets of the Principality,” said Prince Albert, demonstrating his keenness to impart his own dedication to the environmental cause on his children.
Prince Albert is pictured with Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella during 2023 World Clean Up Day in Monaco. Photo credit: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco
The upcoming trip to Antarctica will be a huge moment in the lives of the twins, and will almost certainly leave a lasting impression on their young minds. It will be an opportunity to see for themselves the impacts climate change is having on the most southern continent as well as learn more about the work being done in the name of Monaco to protect the world’s poles.
But above all, after already dipping their toes into the official roles they will play in the future here in Monaco, this imminent adventure will show them their potential outside of the borders of the Principality and give them a taste of the challenges and experiences that lie ahead.
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At the end of this week, the Chapiteau de Fontvieille will welcome a melting pot of over 100 exhibitors representing the finest foods from across Europe for the 26th edition of the Monte-Carlo Gastronomie show.
From 24th to 28th November, the 2,500m2 of the Chapiteau de Fontvieille will be filled with the sights, sounds and, most importantly, aromas of the very best in European cuisine.
Authentic flavours will abound, with a selection of tasty treats like smoked salmon, foie gras, seafood, truffles, caviar, chocolates, sweets, cheeses, cured meats, organic products and jams set to line stalls alongside gorgeous wines, Champagnes, Cognacs, Armagnacs and liqueurs from celebrated producers.
Arts de la table will be on display as well, with everything from specialist kitchen utensils to original gift ideas on offer, making this the perfect place to get ahead with your Christmas shopping.
MAESTRO CHEFS
In addition to the food offerings and various cooking demonstrations on the programme, the third annual Maestro Chef competition will also be held during the event. In it, six talented participants will be given the opportunity to show off their skills and personal flair.
Each chef is given an hour to prepare an original recipe that will be judged on presentation, creativity and, naturally, taste. As if this weren’t task enough, they must also be eco-conscious and avoid any food wastage.
The final, where a prize of €2,000 is up for grabs, will see the top contestants preparing three dishes in an hour and half using a list of ingredients they will have seen for the first time just the day before.
Supporters of Monte-Carlo Gastronomie include Monaco Goût et Saveurs, the Monegasque Association of Sommeliers, Slow Food Riviera Côte d’Azur and the Monegasque Hotel Industry association.
Entry costs €5 and is free for under 12s. For more information and the full programme, click here.
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As the 2023 edition of the No Finish Line charity race came to an end over the weekend, organisers announced that the ambitious goal of reaching 300,000 kilometres had been matched and considerably surpassed.
It was a stellar outcome by all accounts for this year’s No Finish Line. As the last walkers and runners came to a halt after 183 hours of constant motion, the organisers of the annual charity race were able to tally up the final total and found that they had gone way beyond the goal of reaching a collective 300,000 kilometres in eight days.
Young or old, running or walking, the collective effort of nearly 10,500 participants helped No Finish Line smash the ambitious goal set for the 2023 edition. Photo credit: André Faure
In the end, the 10,428 participants, including Prince Albert II on 16th November, racked up an astonishing 315,561 kilometres, which is nearly 64,000 kilometres more than the amount recorded in 2022.
As the rules of the race stipulate, for each kilometre run or walked, €1 will go towards financing some 20 different projects that benefit sick and disadvantaged children in the Principality, in the nearby regions and around the world.
FRIENDLY COMPETITION
From members of the public to representatives from the government and the Grimaldi family, everyone is welcome to participate in No Finish Line, including the most competitive sportsmen and women of society.
This year was no different, and there were some standout performances by a number of athletes.
In the end, the Prince’s Cup was given to Daniele Juan Alimonti, who achieved an incredible 927 kilometres over the eight days, with a daily average of almost 116 kilometres. He stood first place overall, but was closely followed by Cédric Chaudet with 900 kilometres and Franck Derrien with 801 kilometres.
The top placing men of 2023’s No Finish Line receiving trophies for their astounding efforts. Photo credit: André Faure
The women’s top spot went to Mimi Chevillon with 767 kilometres. She also came in as the fifth runner in terms of distance. Second place amongst the ladies went to Paola Coccato, who finished with 593 kilometres, and Annick Fouchard-Djebli took the third spot with 528 kilometres.
The winning team was Run for Céline with 11,919 kilometres. In second was Barclays Monaco and Fight Aids, who ran a combined 10,730 kilometres, while third place went to Special Olympics Monaco with 10,560 kilometres.
The top three female participants contributed close to 2,000 kilometres to the final tally. Photo credit: André Faure
24-HOUR RACE
The 24-hour race, which was included in the French Athletics Federation calendar of off-stadium races, took place from 9am on 18th November to 9am on 19th November. 136 runners signed up as individuals or in teams and completed a combined 11,760 kilometres.
The Roca Team’s Captain, Yakuba Ouattara, who was the event’s VIP sponsor, took to social media in the aftermath of the event to congratulate all who took part.
“The 24th edition of [No Finish Line] is coming to an end and we achieved the goal of 300,000km thanks to you and all the efforts you have made this week,” he said. “Well done and thank you to all participants, walkers, solo team runners and to all the volunteers and partners without whom the event would not have taken place.”
The Roca Team joined in on 18th November by completing multiple laps of the circuit around Monaco. Photo credit: No Finish Line
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