Monaco’s Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights has given a progress report on all of its impactful initiatives in 2023 and ambitious goals for the year ahead.
In the latest assembly of Monaco’s Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights on Thursday 25thJanuary, the fifth annual activity report was unveiled, delineating the extensive work undertaken in 2023. The plenary meeting, led by Isabelle Berro-Amadei, the Minister of External Relations and Cooperation, was attended by representatives from various Monégasque institutions, judicial services, state services, and associations committed to women’s rights.
Isabelle Berro-Amadei, in her opening remarks, poignantly stated, “In a world in pain, scarred by conflicts, health, and climate crises, women are increasingly victims of violence and discrimination. It’s our duty, more than ever, to remain vigilant.” She emphasised the critical need for continued vigilance and proactive measures. The international cooperation and Monaco’s diplomatic efforts in global forums advocating for women’s rights were particularly accentuated.
A year of action
2023 was a year marked by a strong focus on youth and education. Notable initiatives included two targeted campaigns: the 8th March event, which explored women and sports through the lens of the younger generation, and the 25th November campaign aimed at raising awareness about online violence against women and girls. Additionally, significant strides were made in professional training, with 99 professionals educated on handling domestic violence and 167 state employees and agents trained in sexism in the workplace.
A landmark achievement in 2023 was the legislative advancement in combating violence against women. This included the enactment of a law regarding compensation for victims of sexual violence, crimes against children, domestic violence, and other personal offences. Monaco also integrated into the ‘App-elles,’ a personal safety application, further bolstering its commitment to women’s safety.
Céline Cottalorda, the Interministerial Delegate for Women’s Rights, remarked, “Targeting the younger generation is a necessity if we want to evolve mindsets.” She also acknowledged the path ahead, saying, “Our cause requires patience and a lot of collective goodwill.”
Looking ahead to 2024, the Committee plans to continue its efforts in youth sensitisation, amplify professional training against sexism and violence, and foster collaborative actions.
Isabelle Berro-Amadeï concluded the session by expressing gratitude to all committee members and stakeholders for their dedication, saying, “Thank you to everyone involved for your unwavering commitment and mobilisation.”
The Committee’s next significant event is scheduled for 8th March, marking the International Day of Women’s Rights, which will convene all active participants at the Léo Ferré space for a day of reflection and commitment.
Nearly €9.1 million was raised during Artcurial’s recent luxury auction at the Hôtel Hermitage, the largest winter auction to date.
The annual Monaco Auction Week was this year held from 15th to 17th January in the Salle Belle Epoque of the Hôtel Hermitage.
The winter sales session highlighted the Collectible Watchmaking, Jewelry and Hermès and Luxury Bags departments. Under the hammers of Stéphane Aubert and Geoffroy Ader, the five successive auction sessions totaled €9,092,732 including fees.
“We are delighted with these results for this first 2024 edition of the Monaco Auction Week, a now unmissable event in the Principality,” said Olga de Marzio, Director of Artcurial Monaco. “These sales portend a fantastic year for Artcurial and its luxury departments.”
Watches
The male and female collectors’ watches garnered a total of €3,324,774, with nearly 98% of all lots sold. The most expensive was a 1958 ‘The Eastern Arabic’ Rolex brought by a European client for €328,000.
“Today, historical pieces and grand intricacies are undoubtedly the pieces most sought after by connoisseurs,” said Marie Sanna Legrand, Director of Artcurial Collectible Watchmaking.
Jewellery
In the jewellery auctions, the total achieved was €5,275,158. The highest paid was for a Jacques Timey ring attributed to Harry Winston, which sold for a staggering €432,960 to a European Client.
“Magnificent and astonishing sales for the Jewelry Department which enhances the diamond in all its forms: white, yellow and pink diamonds; brilliant cut, emerald cut or even heart cut. I am very honored for the Maison Artcurial by this great success for my first Monaco sales session as Jewelry Director,” said Valérie Goyer.
Hermès and luxury bags
In the Hermès and luxury bags department, there was €492,800 in total sales; the highest bid was for a 2010 limited edition Hermès Birkin So Black 35 alligator bag in mat black, which sold for €50,000.
“This new sales session of luxury leather goods was able to satisfy collectors and bag lovers. Our sale featured a selection of limited edition bags and exotic skins. The latter was able to meet the expectations of our buyers,” said Victoire Debreil, Luxury Fashion and Accessories Cataloguer Artcurial.
The next auction is in July 2024, which will pay tribute to the creativity of the house of Piaget with a unique sale, entitled Piaget 150 ans.
After “fighting through thick and thin” together, a joint statement from Scuderia Ferrari and Monaco-born Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc has confirmed that the 26-year-old will continue his association with the Maranello marque beyond the 2024 race season.
The Scuderia Ferrari team released a much-awaited communiqué on Thursday 25th January confirming the contract extension, which will add an unspecified amount of time to Leclerc’s affiliation with the Italian manufacturer. Leclerc’s contract had been due to wind up at the end of this year’s racing.
“Scuderia Ferrari is pleased to announce that it has extended its contract with Charles Leclerc who therefore will continue to drive for the Italian team in the Formula 1 World Championship beyond the 2024 season,” reads the statement. “A product of the Academy, Charles’ association with the Maranello marque goes back to before his time in Formula 1 as he joined the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016. After a dominant performance in the 2017 Formula 2 championship, the Monegasque then spent a year learning his trade at Sauber before first racing with the Scuderia in 2019. That year he became the youngest driver in Scuderia’s history to win a Grand Prix.”
Leclerc, who has five race wins, 23 pole positions, 30 podiums and 104 starts in the Ferrari red to his name, says, “I’m very pleased to know that I will be wearing the Scuderia Ferrari race suit for several more seasons to come. To race for this team has been my dream since I was three years old: I used to watch the Monaco Grand Prix from the window of a friend’s apartment at Ste. Devote corner and I would always look out for the red cars… We have achieved a lot together, fighting through thick and thin over the past five years. However, I believe the best is yet to come and I can’t wait for this season to start.”
The 26-year-old goes on to reaffirm that his dream “remains that of winning the World Championship with Ferrari”, adding, “I’m sure that in the years ahead, we will enjoy great times together and make our fans happy.”
Team Principal Fréd Vasseur, who was at Sauber during Leclerc’s junior days, has also welcomed the news of the contract extension, saying, “His values and those of our team are intertwined and so it was natural for us to be in agreement on extending our collaboration. We know him for his incessant desire to push himself to the limit and we appreciate his extraordinary abilities when it comes to fighting and overtaking in a race.”
The former motorsports engineer adds, “We are determined to give Charles a winning car and I know that his determination and commitment are elements that can make the difference in helping us reach our goals.”
The next big date in the calendar for Scuderia Ferrari and Leclerc will be the unveiling of his 2024 car, which sports the number 16, on Tuesday 13th February.
The F1 racing season will get underway in Bahrain between Thursday 29th February and Saturday 2nd March. Leclerc will race on home turf in the Principality on Sunday 26th May at the Monaco Grand Prix.
The 92nd Monte-Carlo Rally kicked off on Thursday afternoon, with new routes at higher altitudes and more demanding conditions. This year’s event will test the skills of seasoned drivers amidst the challenging landscapes of the French Alps.
The 92nd edition of the Monte-Carlo Rally, a pivotal event in the 2024 FIA World Rally Championship, launched with an opening ceremony at Monaco’s Place du Casino. This year, the rally introduces a route that explores higher altitudes across five French departments, setting the stage for potentially more demanding snowy conditions.
The event sees the participation of 68 entrants, including seasoned drivers like Elfyn Evans, Sébastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville, and Ott Tänak. Teams were engaged in finalising their setups on vehicles such as the Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 and the Hyundai i20 N Rally1, gearing up for the diverse challenges of the rally.
During the opening ceremony, drivers engaged with the fans, offering a rare glimpse of the personalities behind the wheels of this challenging race.
Challenging journey
The rally officially started on 25th January at 4:52pm from the Casino Square in Monaco. The first night includes two stages, ‘Thoard / Saint-Geniez’ and ‘Bayons / Bréziers,’ challenging drivers with night-time navigation.
Drivers engaged with fans during the opening event at Casino Square on Thursday. Photo by Monaco Life
The following days will see the rally traverse a variety of landscapes and departments. The second leg involves a three-stage loop east of Gap, while the third leg covers three departments with geographically dispersed stages, increasing the level of difficulty.
The rally concludes on 28th January with three stages between Gap and Monaco, ending with the ‘La Bollène-Vésubie / Col de Turini’ stage, crucial for determining the rally’s outcome. The prize-giving ceremony, marking the end of this year’s rally, is scheduled for 4:15pm at the Casino Square.
The Monte-Carlo Rally continues to be a significant and challenging event in the World Rally Championship. With its new focus on higher altitudes and the likelihood of more snow, this year’s edition is poised to test the resilience and skill of the participating drivers and teams.
It has been a full year since Alexandre Boin took over as Director of the Club des Résidents Etrangers de Monaco, a one-of-a-kind entity in the Principality that welcomes in with open arms all residents foreign or Monegasque, newly arrived or already well-established, who wish to get intimately acquainted with the social, economic, cultural and sporting activities of the Principality.
It has been a “gratifying experience”, Boin tells Monaco Life, to be a part of a movement that has thrived in Monaco for almost 14 years now under its long-term president, Louisette Azzoaglio Levy-Soussan, and with the support of Prince Albert II, who often joins CREM members at their events.
In an interview with Monaco Life, the 32-year-old reflects on the last 12 months, the growing ranks of the CREM and his long-term goals for the club.
Monaco Life: You became the director of the CREM a year ago now. Do you feel a sense of accomplishment on this first anniversary?
Alexander Boin: Embracing new challenges has always been my approach and assuming the role of General Manager at CREM, a reputable club that has flourished into one of Monaco’s most prestigious institutions, is a gratifying experience.
As the first year draws to a close, it seems it was only yesterday that I took on this amazing role. The journey has been nothing short of exhilarating, thanks to the unwavering support of our president, Louisette Azzoaglio Levy-Soussan, my dedicated team and the board of directors.
Together, we have orchestrated hundreds of events, recruited 60 new members and organised three memorable evenings: our 13th birthday at the Performance Centre of the AS Monaco Football Club; our September cocktail at Jimmy’z Monte-Carlo in the presence of Prince Albert; and our Christmas Gala at Circé in Beaulieu-sur-Mer.
Prince Albert II of Monaco, SBM’S Stéphane Valeri and Minister of State Pierre Dartout were among the noteworthy Monegasque personalities to join the CREM and its team at last year’s September Cocktail. Photo credit: Michael Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco
I am lucky to have a small yet dynamic and multi-skilled team where each member brings their unique expertise: Sabine Baldo, an energetic event planner; Magali Beroud, who oversees membership and accounting; [and] our Communications Coordinator, Matilde Fantin, who is behind the scenes, always full of creative ideas to promote the club through every possible means.
The challenge of a small team means each of us needs to wear multiple hats daily and combine our administrative work with the dynamic life of the club. There is certainly no time to get bored!
Left to right: Magali Beroud, Sabine Baldo, Mathilde Fantin and Alexandre Boin. Photo credit: Johan Assenza
Tell us about the relations between the board and CREM’s members. How do you manage the crossover?
The CREM Board of Directors is comprised of 12 dedicated members and led by our esteemed president, Louisette, alongside two vice-Presidents, a treasurer and a general secretary.
They work together to guide the club’s development and we meet regularly to discuss our goals and plan the overall strategy to keep our club moving forward. Their involvement is key to the success and growth of our organisation.
Being members themselves, they actively join in with our activities on a regular basis and their participation adds a valuable dimension to our events, fostering a sense of community and collaboration within our organisation.
The CREM’s lively and diverse board of directors, with President Louisette Azzoaglio Levy-Soussan in the centre. Photo credit: Camille Dufosse
What type of events does the CREM offer its members and how to do you promote these activities?
Throughout the year, the CREM Anniversary in the presence of Prince Albert II, the Summer Cocktail, the Christmas Gala and the Greetings Cocktail define our rhythm.
The CREM also proposes a diverse range of activities, offering something for everyone, from lunches and cocktails, conferences and debates, musical evenings, guided tours and outings to weekends away and workshops. In addition, we work closely with our partners to offer advantageous rates and benefits as well as providing a ticketing service for cultural and events with preferential places at Philharmonic Orchestra performances, the Opéra, the Ballets of Monte-Carlo and the Festival du Printemps des Arts.
We grant privileged access to Monaco’s most prestigious gatherings like the Rose Ball, Top Marques, the Monte-Carlo Rally, the Monaco F1 Grand Prix, Jumping Monte-Carlo and more… The CREM is where diversity, culture and exclusivity converge.
The CREM will celebrate its 14th anniversary as a recognised social club in Monaco this June. Photo supplied
Our weekly newsletter is sent out every Monday, reaching not only our members but also our valued partners and individuals keen on staying informed about the CREM’s activities. This regular communication serves as a curated source of information. Furthermore, we promote our events through social media by posting videos and pictures to attract a younger population and we closely work with the local press.
How do you manage a membership that contains so many different nationalities and cultures?
The diverse nationalities are evident within our CREM family, with 500 members representing 50 countries. Monaco stands out as a melting pot, one of the most cosmopolitan and open-minded places globally, that fosters a culture of respect and cooperation. So is our club. We are committed to promoting international understanding, especially in today’s global landscape, and we achieve this goal through a myriad of activities that celebrate our cultural richness and shared values.
How do you retain members after they become acquainted with the Principality? How do you recruit new ones?
Undoubtedly, the challenge is real, given our comparatively modest size and resources compared to other prominent clubs in Monaco. Yet, our remarkable annual renewal rate speaks volumes, and it can be attributed to two key factors. First, our commitment to delivering a warm welcome and a high-quality service makes members feel embraced and listened to all year round. Second, our events programme offers a vibrant palette of activities, ensuring there is always something interesting for everyone… Plus all the benefits we provide our members through several partnerships!
Word-of-mouth proves to be a powerful recruitment tool, with our existing members enthusiastically sharing their CREM experiences [with others]. This organic endorsement reveals much about the authenticity and impact of what we offer.
In terms of communication, we utilise various tools to reach new audiences. Our yearly magazine, social media, press presence and strategic collaborations, such as with the government’s Welcome Office under the Attractiveness unit, all play crucial roles. Quarterly information meetings dedicated to new and prospective residents, in collaboration with the Residents’ Section of the Police, further amplify our outreach efforts. This multi-faceted approach ensures that the CREM’s essence and offerings resonate widely, contributing to our sustained growth and positive reputation in the Principality.
After a year in the role, what are your long-terms goals and ambitions for the CREM?
Louisette envisions a club that stands out from the rest, one that creates unforgettable experiences etched in the memories of its members forever. I wholeheartedly embrace this vision, hoping that people will associate the CREM with beautiful and cherished moments. I am optimistic that these exceptional experiences will keep elevating the CREM to new heights, setting it apart as a truly exceptional and distinctive club with a friendly atmosphere.
Alexandre Boin and CREM President Louisette Azzoaglio Levy-Soussan. Photo credit: Camille Dufosse
I am eager to help the CREM be recognised by a broader audience, beyond Monaco borders, as the club where members effortlessly connect and seamlessly integrate into the vibrant Monegasque way of life.
Our aim is to highlight every facet of the Principality and position the CREM as the go-to destination for residents. Monaco has long sought to attract individuals of high value to establish residency here and I believe that creating an awareness about the CREM before residents move can significantly contribute to this ambition.
Louisette and I are enthusiastic and committed to introducing a variety of new activities and initiatives that will set the CREM apart as a “one-of-a-kind club” that enriches the lives of our members while nurturing a sense of community.
For more information about the Club des Résidents Etrangers de Monaco and how to become a member, click here.
This weekend, the Principality will celebrate its patron saint, Sainte Dévote, and one of the highlights of the celebrations will be the symbolic burning of the boat ceremony. Here are all the details you need to know about this legendary event.
Every year in late January, the Principality honours the martyr who became Monaco’s patron saint with a series of special religious and cultural events. The burning of the boat part of the festivities, a perennial favourite with the crowds, commemorates the arrival on the shores of Monaco of the body of Sainte Dévote, a young girl from Corsica who was persecuted for her ardent Christian faith in the fourth century.
This year, the festivities will begin with a traditional mass in Monegasque at the church that bears her name at 10.30am on Friday 26th January. Then, later that same day, a procession of her relics will commence at the Grand Prix Chicane at 6.30pm and conclude with the Salvation of the Most Holy Sacrament on the square in front of the Eglise Sainte Dévote.
The procession of the relics will begin at 6.30pm ahead of a special service on the Place Sainte Dévote. Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department / Manuel Vitali
A special service at 7pm will then be led by Monaco’s Archbishop Dominique-Marie David and Cardinal François-Xavier Bustillo of Ajaccio before the crowd assembled is directed underground via the Rue Grimaldi and Avenue d’Ostende access points to the Quai Albert Ier, where the boat will be waiting.
Only those who have attended the ceremony on the Place Sainte Dévote will be able to witness the burning of the boat event up close given the strict security measures put in place in and around Port Hercule so be sure to be in the area before the service at the church begins.
The burning of the boat, which is traditionally set alight by a member of the Princely Family, is scheduled to take place at 7.45pm.
In 2023, Princess Charlene, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella took charge of the burning of the boat ceremony in Port Hercule. Photo credit: Monaco Communications Department / Manuel Vitali
It is entirely free to attend and is a wonderful way to get involved with a piece of treasured Monegasque heritage and history.
For those who can’t make the service on the Place Sainte Dévote, a lightshow that can be viewed from all around the Port Hercule will be held from 8.15pm.
To read more about the schedule of events, which will continue into Saturday 27th January, click here.
