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Day: 20 February 2024

Princess Charlene Foundation to benefit from Vista – FIA World Endurance Championship partnership

by: Niki Borisova
20/02/2024
vista af corse

With mere weeks to go before the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship gets off the line in Qatar on 2nd March, VistaJet and AF Corse have unveiled their new look for the season at a star-studded launch party in Milan.  

The event on 15th February seamlessly blended the two worlds of luxury aviation and elite motorsport while also raising the profile of the Ferrari-backed team and its chosen charity, the Princess Charlene Foundation.  

Hosted in a specially transformed hangar at the Milan Linate airport, the guests, which included the likes of Monegasque F1 driver Charles Leclerc and his teammate Carlos Sainz as well as Princess Charlene’s brother Gareth Wittstock, were able to get up-close and personal with the two Ferrari 296 LMGT3 cars that will be raced this season.

Given the backdrop, the event was also the perfect opportunity to showcase three premium craft from Vista’s fleet: the Challenger 350, a Global 7500 and an AW189 helicopter.

Photo courtesy Vista

“Thank you so much to all, from near and far, for coming to the official Vista AF Corse launch event,” VistaJet founder and chairman Thomas Flohr, who also races for the team, told the crowd. “2024 marks a special celebration, 20 exciting years of Vista; a company that has evolved from one jet to now over 300 jets, covering 96% of the world. Who’d have thought all those years ago, when launching the first silver with a red stripe aircraft, we’d be standing where we are today, launching Vista AF Corse in the exact same livery? FIA WEC is at an incredible inflection point, with nine manufacturers joining WEC GT in 2024, competing in what is the highest level of motorsport next to F1, a true world championship.” 

Amato Ferrari, the former racing driver turned founder and Team Principal for AF Corse, also had some affirmative words to share, adding, “Our goal is to excel on the global stage, and I’m confident in the exceptional talent of our drivers to make that a reality.” 

Flohr’s co-driver in Car #54, Francesco Castellacci, meanwhile, was keen to use his moment in the spotlight to highlight the team’s support for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, which will have its logo featuring prominently on the new livery. 

“Every point we win is not just a victory on the track, but a step forward in promoting health, sportsmanship, and safety among children, thanks to our collaboration with the Foundation,” he said.  

 

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L-R in main photo: Davide Rigon, Francesco Castellacci and Thomas Flohr. Photo credit: VistaJet 

Exploring Mayo’s rich heritage with Neal Doherty: a glimpse into Ireland’s past

by: Niki Borisova
20/02/2024

Unlock the stories of Mayo, a county in the West of Ireland, with historian and tour guide Neal Doherty in an enlightening talk at the Princess Grace Irish library.

Neal Doherty, a distinguished historian, author, and tour guide, has made a transition from his corporate career to a life dedicated to exploring and sharing the rich history of Ireland. His expertise has led him to offer private tours in both French and English, focusing on the scenic west of Ireland.

A notable highlight of his tours includes Drimurla, the birthplace of Princess Grace’s grandfather, highlighting the deep historical connections in the area. In March 2023, Prince Albert II unveiled a sculpture in Newport to honour his mother’s family’s ties to the county.

Dohrty’s contributions to the field of history extend beyond guiding tours. He has authored several guidebooks, delving into the intricate details of Dublin and the Mullet Peninsula in Belmullet, and his work has not gone unnoticed, earning him appearances on the TV program Nationwide.

The pinnacle of Doherty’s efforts to share his knowledge will be showcased at the Princess Grace Irish Library on Wednesday 21st February, where he is set to captivate audiences with a presentation on Mayo’s rich history. Scheduled to begin at 7pm, the talk promises a journey through time, tracing the footsteps of John Henry Kelly, Princess Grace’s grandfather, who left in 1867, and recounting the adventures of Grace O’Malley, the formidable pirate queen.

Through Doherty’s narrative, attendees will be transported to pivotal moments in history, including the significant impact of Mayo on the global stage, the influence of St. Patrick and other saints, the region’s profound connections with France, and the remarkable victories of General Humbert during the ‘Year of the French’ in 1798.

Admission to the talk is €10 (€5 for students), cash or cheque only. For more information and ticket reservation, click here: A talk by author Neal Doherty | The Princess Grace Irish Library (pgil.mc)

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RELATEAD ARTICLE:

Photos: Prince Albert II unveils statue of Princess Grace in Ireland

Photo credit: County Mayo, Unsplash

 

New Ambassadors to Monaco from Brazil, Azerbaijan, Chile, and Seychelles

by: Cassandra Tanti
20/02/2024

Four new ambassadors have been accredited to Monaco, signifying strengthened ties between their respective nations and the Principality.

The ambassadors from Brazil, Azerbaijan, Chile, and Seychelles presented their credentials to Prince Albert II on Monday 12th February in a ceremony that underscores the commitment to fostering international relations and cooperation across continents.

Afterwards, Monaco’s Director of Diplomatic and Consular Relations Marie-Catherine Caruso-Ravera hosted a luncheon to welcome the new ambassadors.

Ricardo Neiva Tavares, Brazil’s Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador, brings a wealth of experience to his role, having served in various diplomatic capacities since 1980. His tenure includes notable ambassadorial assignments in Europe, with his most recent appointment as Brazil’s Ambassador to France since June 2023.

Similarly, Leyla Abdullayeva, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to France, has a distinguished career path within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Her diplomatic journey, which began in 2002, has seen her assume key roles in international representations, culminating in her appointment as Ambassador to France in 2022.

Chile’s Ambassador, Raúl Eduardo Fernández Daza, has diligently served his country’s diplomatic interests since 1980. His trajectory includes ambassadorial roles across diverse regions, with his current assignment as Ambassador of Chile to France since June 2023, highlighting the nation’s commitment to bilateral relations.

Finally, Kenneth Jacques Gervais Racombo, Seychelles’ Ambassador to Belgium and other European nations, embarked on his diplomatic journey in 2002. With experience spanning various diplomatic realms, including the Ministry of Fisheries and the Blue Economy, his recent appointment underscores Seychelles’ dedication to enhancing its international footprint.

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Photo credit: Stéphane Danna, Government Communication Department

 

Monaco Ocean Week 2024: A quest for viable and achievable solutions

by: Elsa Carpenter
20/02/2024

The scope of the upcoming edition of Monaco Ocean Week is as wide as the world’s oceans themselves. 

From shipping and its impact on marine ecosystems around the globe to ocean acidification and marine C02 removal, coral reef protections, the Blue Economy and the increasing demand for improved financing and investment, as well as the pressing need to address coastal erosion, the topics and themes scheduled for debate and discussion at next month’s events are far-ranging and full of ambition. 

Between Monday 18th and Friday 22nd March, dozens of talks and conferences will be taking place across the Principality, and many will also be streamed online to allow the public-at-large to participate and hear about the latest discoveries, technologies and policies being made in the field. 

Prince Albert II will open the event on Monday 18th March at the Monaco Blue Initiative, which will be held in the Musée Océanographique de Monaco. The main goals of the Monaco Blue Initiative are to “explore and promote synergies between the protection of the marine environment and the development of a truly sustainable blue economy”. It is likely to attract a diverse crowd of government representatives, NGOs, international organisations, the private sector and the media.  

Other major cross-sector events include the Pelagos Forum and a meeting of the MedFund’s Board of Directors on Tuesday 19th, the Ocean Innovators Platform on Wednesday 20th, and the Monaco Smart Yacht Rendezvous between Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd March. 

See more: Monaco Ocean Week: Prince Albert launches ReOcean Fund to encourage private investors to save the oceans

A range of biodiversity-themed events are in the works, such as the meeting of the Mediterranean Posidonia Network and two cetacean conferences on Wednesday 20th March, one of which will be held for students at Monaco’s École Saint-Charles.  

A full day will be dedicated to the extensive ‘Blue Economy Roundtable: Shipping and the Triple Crisis’ conference that will be headed by the Centre Scientifique de Monaco’s Doctor Nathalie Hilmi on Tuesday 19th March at the Meridien Beach Plaza Hotel.  

Science and technology highlights include the 3D seafloor mapping workshop organised by the Mediterranean Science Commission between Tuesday 19th and Thursday 21st and a review of the Monaco Explorations Indian Ocean Expedition in 2022. 

Climate and other environmental issues will be discussed at a variety of events, from the marine carbon dioxide removal presentation on Tuesday 19th to an aquaculture-themed talk and a separate coastal resilience conference on Wednesday 20th , as well as a sustainable fashion event on Friday 22nd March. 

To explore the full programme, click here.  

 

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Photo credit: Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco

Monaco to host inaugural Padel Best Expo and CUPRA FIP Tour 2024 stage this April

by: Niki Borisova
20/02/2024

Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum will host the inaugural Padel Best Expo, a new concept from the creators of the Five Padel Cup, from 7th to 9th April 2024. The event is set to showcase the latest technology and trends in the sport as well as bring together players from across the global padel community.

The event will not only serve as a hub for padel fans, but it will also host a stage of the CUPRA FIP Tour 2024, which is managed by the International Padel Federation, marking it as a key moment in the worldwide professional padel circuit.

Roberta Ceccarelli, the CEO of BSG, which founded the Five Padel Cup, emphasises Padel Best Expo’s objectives: “The Padel Best Expo is cantered on three pillars: entertainment, showcasing the padel universe and innovation.”

The event will highlight the crossover appeal of padel with the participation of Ukrainian football legend Andriy Shevchenko, the 2004 Golden Ball winner and former AC Milan striker, as an ambassador for ‘Football for Ukraine’. A portion of the proceeds from the event will also benefit Fight Aids Monaco, the HIV charity founded by Monaco’s Princess Stéphanie.

Cécilia D’Ambrosio, the president of the Monegasque Padel Federation, has shared her enthusiasm for the partnership with BSG, noting, “The Padel Best Expo aligns perfectly with our goals to promote padel’s growth in Monaco and beyond. It marks the beginning of a promising collaboration aimed at showcasing a sport that’s gaining worldwide popularity.”

Alongside the main event, the Five Padel Cup will hold its second edition and a series of temporary courts will be set up in and around the venue to facilitate the high-powered play. The Barbagiuans of Monaco, led by Louis Ducruet and founded by Prince Albert II, will compete in the tournament and the home side is set to include a number of famous names and faces. Player details will be announced soon.

For more information and to purchase tickets in advance, click here.

 

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Photo source: Oliver Sjostrom, Unsplash

Explained: Behind the scenes of Monaco’s civil service

by: Stephanie Horsman
20/02/2024

A new report from Monaco’s dedicated statistical agency, IMSEE, has lifted the lid on the Principality’s civil service and its diverse workforce.  

Some 5,153 people were employed in the Monegasque civil service in 2023, a slight increase of 2.1% or an additional 106 workers on the previous year.  

Three-quarters of the workforce are connected to government roles. The Interior Ministry is the largest employer, which represents around 40% of these workers, followed by the Ministry of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development with a 15% share. A combined 19% work for the Ministries of State, Finance and the Economy, and Health and Social Affairs. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs employs the remaining 2%.  

15% of Monaco’s public sector employees work for the Mairie, 4% are employed at the Palais Princier de Monaco, the Justice Department retains 3% of civil servants and the remaining 2% work for foundations or public organisations.  

DEMOGRAPHICS 

The average age of a civil servant in the Principality is 43.5 years, with the gender split between men and women set at 56:44. French nationals are the most represented nationality in the public sector labour force, at 69%, though Monegasques make a strong showing: one in four public sector workers holds Monegasque citizenship.  

44% of the workforce lives in Monaco and 56% live in the Alpes-Maritimes. 

To check out the figures for yourself, click here.

 

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Photo source: Mony Misheal, Unsplash