More than 700 VIP guests from the world of football will descend on the Grimaldi Forum next month for the ceremonial launch of the 2024/25 Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Men’s Club Competition Season.
Local football fans should mark their calendars for 29th and 30th August, when the Grimaldi Forum will be the epicentre of the 2024/25 UEFA Men’s Club Competition Season launch.
The event will draw over 700 attendees, including representatives and members from all competing European clubs, the media, and plenty of footballing stars and legends.
The Champions League draw will occur on 29th August at 6pm, while the draws for the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League will take place on the afternoon of 30th August.
New Format
UEFA will also use the occasion to introduce its new league phase format for the first time.
Starting this season, UEFA has expanded the Champions League group stage to include 36 clubs, adding four more teams to the previous line-up to give “more sides the opportunity to compete against the best clubs in Europe”.
Under the new system, teams will no longer play three opponents twice (at home and away). Instead, they will face eight different teams, with half of the matches at home and half away.
Match-ups will be determined by ranking teams into four seeding pots. Each team will then be drawn to play two challengers from each pot, resulting in one home and one away match per challenger.
UEFA is enthusiastic about the change, stating: “This gives clubs the opportunity to test themselves against a wider range of opponents and raises the prospect for fans of seeing the top teams go head-to-head more often and earlier in the competition. It will also result in more competitive matches for every club across the board.”
Following the sudden closure of the Habitat store in Monaco at the end of last year, the Mairie de Monaco is searching for future tenants for the prime piece of commercial real estate on the Avenue Saint Charles.
Opportunities to acquire large business premises in the Principality are rare, making this more than 600sqm offer particularly noteworthy.
After nearly seven months of vacancy, the Mairie de Monaco has launched an application process for tenants keen to take on the premium real estate spot previously linked to the furniture and lifestyle giant Habitat, which unexpectedly closed its doors on 30th November 2023.
Located at 7 Avenue Saint Charles, the site includes 497.5m² of space on the second floor, an entry-level window space, an additional 81m² of subterranean storage and a shared common area with other on-site businesses.
Applications made be submitted to the Service du Domaine Communal at 3 Rue Philibert Florence until 12pm on 23rd August.
While the application process is open to all, several criteria will be considered in the selection process. These include the applicant’s nationality, the quality of the application file, local business interest, compliance with conditions, professional experience and financial solvency.
The lease will initially be limited to a seven-year occupancy period. Annual rental costs, including taxes, amount to €305,000.
For a full list of all the terms and conditions, click here.
The Wurtemberg Footbridge, a remarkable 65-metre-long and two-metre-wide metal structure, is now open to the public. This impressive architectural piece, located at the bottom of Avenue Pasteur, is a key element of the mobility plan aimed at promoting pedestrian travel.
This important infrastructure connects the Fontvieille district with two elevators that also serve the Honoré II Promenade, the future access to the new college, various entities within the Pasteur block, and the soon-to-open Wurtemberg Parking.
With the completion of this project, the entire western part of the Principality can now be traversed without the need for a vehicle, stretching from the upper entrance of the Principality to Fontvieille. Since the opening of the Salines Parking, which features 1,800 parking spaces at affordable rates at the western entrance of the Principality in April, it is now possible to take the Salines pedestrian gallery and then the Wurtemberg Footbridge to reach Fontvieille.
The mobility plan is gradually being implemented to alleviate urban traffic, promote soft mobility, and offer alternatives to individual vehicles. The aim is to encourage everyone to adopt the transportation solutions that best suit their needs.
The Marina Development Corporation (MDC) has announced the renewal of its dialogue and collaboration with the Ventimiglia local government regarding the Marina di Ventimiglia project, which aims to create a new international tourist destination along the Ligurian Riviera’s waterfront.
A recent meeting was held at the Town Hall and included the majority members of the administration led by Ventimiglia Mayor Flavio Di Muro, along with a delegation of representatives from MDC and Namira SGR.
Anselmo De Titta, the new CEO of MDC, provided an overview of the project’s complex planning stages, detailing its key aspects to find a balanced solution that satisfies the mutual interests of Ventimiglia and the BDF Fund managed by Namira SGR, with MDC acting as advisor.
“Several weeks ago, we reopened discussions with the administration with the mutual aim of quickly reaching a consensus,” said De Titta, according to an MDC press statement. “There is a strong desire to finalise the remaining details to launch this long-awaited project. Yesterday’s meeting with Mayor Di Muro and his councillors was positive. It was a constructive discussion, and I sensed a unanimous will to advance this crucial project, which we all believe is of extraordinary importance for the tourism revival of Ventimiglia. Now, we need to work together to achieve the best possible result promptly. The project is so rich in ideas and quality that I am confident we will reach our goal very quickly. We are optimistic and look forward to the next phase of dialogue with positivity.”
The Marina di Ventimiglia project will cover a total area of 57,000 square metres and involves several projects, with a total investment exceeding €200 million. The main project, Borgo del Forte, will be located in the Marina San Giuseppe area, behind the Cala del Forte tourist port. Following the preliminary safety measures, a five-star hotel with 70 rooms, a gym, a wellness centre, and a publicly accessible restaurant, along with 60 luxury apartments, will be constructed.
The proposal includes directly linking the project to Ventimiglia’s historic centre through a lift system to the west of the settlement, reaching Via Verdi, where an elevator will take visitors to the heart of the old town. An additional significant public intervention is planned at Via Verdi: a surface parking lot of over 1,000 square metres and a pedestrian path with panoramic views, aiming to connect the Marina and the old town more effectively.
Additionally, Borgo del Forte Campus will be developed in the former Campasso railway yard (30,000 square metres), behind the naturalistic area at the mouth of the Nervia River. This will include a set of public-oriented structures with educational, sports, and leisure functions, featuring a major multifunctional complex designed to integrate strategically and organically into Ventimiglia’s overall redevelopment plan, offering a new high-quality proposal for both residents and tourists.
According to Mayor Flavio Di Muro, the local government is “committed to seeing this project through, as it represents a significant opportunity for our city’s growth and international appeal. The collaboration with MDC and Namira SGR is a crucial step in ensuring the success of this initiative.”
In this interview with Monaco Life, Dr. Jean-Philippe Muller delves into his forward-thinking vision for the International University of Monaco (IUM), the new state-of-the-art campus in La Condamine, and how IUM is shaping the future of business education and championing a diverse and dynamic student community.
Dr. Jean-Philippe Muller has successfully held the position of Dean and CEO at the International University of Monaco (IUM) since 2013. Committed to revolutionising the learning sector, Dr. Muller is determined to leave a profound and lasting impact on the field of education. As a member of the Europe Accreditation Council for Business Education (EACBE) and the European Board of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Dr. Muller is well-equipped to drive positive societal impact in the global education landscape.
Dr. Muller has been an active member of the Strategic Council for Attractiveness of Monaco since 2017 and the Monaco Private Label Executive Advisory Board since May 2020. These positions enrich his tenure as Dean of IUM. He recently joined CCE, the French Foreign Trade Advisors in Monaco.
Founded in 1986, the University of Southern Europe became the private International University of Monaco (IUM), offering Bachelor, MBA, and DBA in English programs. IUM is the Business School of the Principality of Monaco, part of OMNES Education, one of the largest French management training groups with 15 schools, 40,000 students, and over 200,000 Alumni. During Jean-Phillipe Muller’s tenure, IUM obtained AACSB accreditation in 2020 and increased threefold the number of students coming from more than 70 countries, from 300 in 2010 to 900 in 2023 and counting.
Monaco Life’s Features Journalist Celina Lafuente de Lavotha interviewed Dr. Jean-Philippe Muller to learn more about the importance of the AACSB accreditation for IUM, how to attract prospective students by offering a solid business curriculum through top-quality faculty, and his long-term vision.
Monaco Life: Which strategic steps did you take to obtain the critical AACSB credential for IUM?
Jean-Philippe Muller: Securing the AACSB accreditation, a synonym for outstanding academic quality, bolstered IUM’s reputation. It underscored our commitment to excellence in business education and reaffirmed IUM’s position among the world’s top business schools. It provides our students and alumni with international recognition and opportunities.
My team and I embarked on a strategic journey of curriculum enhancement, faculty development, and institutional growth. Our focus was aligning our programs with global standards, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and strengthening our research capabilities.
This certificate has helped IUM become the business school of choice for many international students, as evidenced by the growing presence of Americans and Canadians as the third and fourth most represented nationalities, alongside students from Northern Europe. This achievement has enabled us to expand our network of partnerships with several AACSB-accredited universities.
We have finalised our 28th agreement with a business school, offering our second-year bachelor students a diverse range of courses for the Semester Abroad Program, with the choice of attending one of the OMNES Campuses in Barcelona, Geneva, London, Munich, or Paris or at one of the numerous IUM partner institutions worldwide. Students may opt for a single semester abroad or the international track of two semesters, deepening their global experience.
La Stella building in La Condamine. Photo credit: Valentina de Gaspari
What are the advantages of IUM moving to new facilities in La Condamine?
Relocating to the La Stella building in La Condamine has provided IUM with state-of-the-art facilities, advanced technology-equipped classrooms, and collaborative spaces designed to enhance the learning experience for our students. Located near Monaco’s business district, it fosters greater integration with local and international commercial communities, gaining practical insights and networking opportunities.
Our strategic vision for IUM is one of continued growth and innovation. We have embraced distance learning, but we have also realised the importance of In-person education, which is favoured by most students. Our enrolment keeps growing, so a new building will house part of our staff and faculty, paving the way for further evolution of classroom learning and developing new methodologies for collaborative student work.
“Many students choose to stay in Monaco, a global centre for finance and luxury, contributing to the Principality’s economic growth and international prestige…”
Where do students come from? And where do they go after graduation from IUM?
At IUM, diversity is not just a buzzword; it’s a way of life. As I explained earlier, our student population is a rich tapestry of more than 70 nationalities.
After graduation, IUM alumni embark on global careers, taking on prominent roles in multinational companies or establishing their startups. Many choose to stay in Monaco, a global centre for finance and luxury, contributing to the Principality’s economic growth and international prestige, with a particular focus on the exclusive yachting sector. This global success of our alumni is a testament to the quality of education at IUM and should make our audience feel proud and reassured.
What would be the optimal size of the IUM student body?
The optimal size of our class enrolment is dynamic and influenced by our commitment to maintaining a personalised learning environment. While we have significantly increased our student population from 300 in 2010 to 900 in 2024, our focus remains on quality over quantity. We strive to achieve a balance that allows for meaningful student engagement, personalised academic support, and diverse cultural exchange, achieved by never exceeding 50 students per class.
Surpassing 1,000 students next year will be a historic milestone for IUM, requiring an equally meticulous selection of new faculty members. We will have around 40 full-time professors and over 100 adjunct professors.
What kind of support do you get from the Monaco Government to attract students?
Continuous interaction with the Monegasque Government is significant for IUM. It is both a collaborative and supportive relationship based on strategic partnerships and initiatives that promote Monaco as a destination for higher education. This backing enhances our ability to attract top-tier students globally, leveraging Monaco’s reputation for excellence, safety, and quality of life.
Thanks to the Monegasque Government’s support, we moved into the La Stella building, and this year, we actively participated in the Monaco Employment Forum and other valuable initiatives. Moreover, prominent figures from the Government sit on our International Advisory Board.
Dr. JP Muller, Dean and CEO of IUM
What academic curriculum do you feel is most critical for IUM, given the profile of the country IUM resides in?
Given Monaco’s profile as a global financial and business centre, our academic curriculum emphasises finance, luxury management, international business, and sustainable entrepreneurship. These areas align with Monaco’s economic strengths and contribute to preparing our students for leadership roles in sectors crucial to the Principality’s growth and development.
The Master’s in Sustainability and Innovation Management embodies the Principality’s and our School’s commitment to educating individuals who actively promote eco-friendly development of managerial practices and industrial production, essential for transforming our society.
The IUM community is expanding its Executive Education offerings, which are increasingly sought after by professionals. Through courses offered by the Monégasque Association of Financial Activities (AMAF), for example, over 6000 operators from Monegasque banks have obtained the Banking, Financial, and ESG Professional Certification and the Confidentiality Certification.
What methods do you implement to increase graduation rates and assist students in their professional careers?
To promote graduation rates, we implement personalised academic advice, proactive student support services, and mentorship programs that foster student success. We emphasise early intervention strategies, academic progress monitoring, and student engagement initiatives that promote retention and timely degree completion.
We facilitate our students’ professional advancement through comprehensive career development services, such as mentorship programs with industry experts, networking opportunities with local and global businesses, and hands-on projects within Monaco’s business community.
The organisation of International Business Days further facilitates integration into the job market. A comprehensive schedule to guide students in their career planning, finding internships, and securing jobs is an integrated part of the curriculum at IUM. The Career Services organizes activities to support students entering or advancing in the job market: Career Development Seminars, Individual Counseling Sessions, Student Profile Books, and all the tools necessary to achieve their professional goals.
IUM has partnered with business incubator MonacoTech
Does IUM foster entrepreneurship, and if so, in which sectors?
IUM is committed to promoting entrepreneurship in luxury goods and services, finance, sustainable development, and digital innovation. It offers courses on these subjects across all levels (bachelor, Master, MBA, and DBA) and has an Entrepreneurship Club led by successful businesspeople who present their business ventures.
We support entrepreneurial initiatives through international challenges for students, such as the Mark Challenge, a business plan competition that connects students, Alumni, academic professionals, and industry experts worldwide. The Monaco Ocean Protection Challenge also empowers students and young entrepreneurs by providing tangible support for creating and developing startups that contribute positively to ocean preservation.
We have partnered with MonacoTech, the Monaco startup accelerator, enabling our students to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses, contributing to innovation and economic growth.
How would you describe your management style?
I favour strategic vision, transparency, and collaborative leadership. I believe in empowering teams to achieve shared goals, fostering open communication, and creating a culture of accountability and innovation. I prioritise inclusivity, mentorship, and a supportive work environment that values diversity, creativity, and continuous learning.
I have always been interested in hiring talented new collaborators who work well in teams and demonstrate good autonomy in managing their projects. As we approach a team size of 70 people, we look for individuals who can adapt to different cultures.
What specific qualities do you look for when hiring faculty?
When hiring teachers, we prioritise academic expertise, industry experience, innovative instruction methods, and a commitment to student-centered learning. We seek educators who demonstrate a passion for their subject area, dedication to academic excellence, and a collaborative approach to fostering a supportive learning environment; teachers who can conduct high-impact academic research, possess solid technological skills and effectively engage diverse student populations.
Faculty recruitment is increasingly a strategic asset for IUM. It competes with the world’s leading accredited business schools to attract high-caliber professors with proven teaching experience who engage in research published in prestigious academic journals.
“It is crucial to regulate AI’s role in education, as we want our students to master these technologies to enhance their learning process.”
What is the biggest challenge for university teachers today?
Teachers must embrace digital tools for teaching and learning; one of the biggest challenges today is adapting to rapid technological advancements and evolving educational methodologies. It is crucial to regulate AI’s role in education, as we want our students to master these technologies to enhance their learning process.
Another vital task is preparing young people to work with their peers when entering the workforce by highlighting the most effective ways to cooperate with people from different cultures and generations.
Additionally, balancing research responsibilities with teaching commitments remains challenging in maintaining academic rigor and innovation.
What is your longer-term vision for IUM?
We wish to expand our international partnerships, enhance experiential learning opportunities, and launch new academic programs aligned with emerging global trends.
My vision for IUM is to solidify its reputation as a leading academic centre for education and innovation in managerial fields. I envision IUM as a catalyst for entrepreneurial thinking and sustainable business practices, preparing our graduates to excel in a dynamic global economy by leveraging Monaco’s economic environment’s unique characteristics and strengths.
IUM offers unique advantages to students: its location in Monaco, its privileged relationships with local businesses, and the academic excellence it imparts through its personalised approach. Along with its distinctive multicultural environment, these factors will prepare students to tackle the challenges they will face in the global labor market.
Monaco’s private beach bars and clubs are renowned as being among the best on the Riviera, but did you know that the Principality is also home to a number of pristine natural swimming spots that are so low-key that they almost have ‘secret’ status?
At barely three kilometres in length, it is simply not possible for Monaco to own a long sandy beach like that of the fabled Pampelonne near Saint Tropez or even Nice’s pebbled Promenade des Anglais, but size doesn’t always matter, and the Principality can still boast several gems that are perfect for those looking for a change from the glitz and glamour.
First up on our list of swimming places to visit is La Crique des Pêcheurs or Fisherman’s Cove (pictured above).
Found at the foot of the Rock, not far from the Musée Océanographique de Monaco, this place is super secluded and is accessible via a staircase leading out from Level –3 of the Parking des Pêcheurs. You can also access the beach on foot via the Digue de l’Avant Port.
It’s a gravel beach without any swimming supervision, and the water gets deep quickly, meaning that the waves and currents can be a bit rougher than at other spots along the coast, so only enter the sea if you’re a strong swimmer.
Not too far away is the much bigger – but equally uninterrupted – Plage du Solarium or Solarium Beach.
The look of this secret spot falls between Brutalist swimming pool and concrete amphitheater thanks to the massive steps on the outer side of the Port Hercule harbour wall. Even in the height of summer, hardly any people visit this spot so it’s the ideal place to head to if you want to bask peacefully in the sunshine or enjoy an al fresco lunch.
Like at Fisherman’s Cove, there are no lifeguards here and the surge can be a lot to manage for some, especially as there’s nowhere to put your feet down!
Solarium Beach on the outer wall of Port Hercule. Photo by Monaco Life
Then comes the Pont de Fer beach, which is slotted between the two private enclaves belonging to Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort and Monte-Carlo Beach.
It’s not strictly within the Principality’s boundaries – it’s actually in France and belongs to the commune of Roquebrune Cap Martin – but it’s right below one of Monaco’s biggest tourism draws and sports venues, the Monte-Carlo Country Club.
Pont de Fer is found a stone’s throw over the border in Roquebrune Cap Martin. Photo by Monaco Life
It’s a stony beach, like many others in a region where soft sand beaches are in the minority, and quite a lot of the local seagrass washes up on its shores. Together, these two attributes put the majority of beachgoers off, but if it’s solitude and sea views that you’re seeking, this is an easy-to-find and easy-to-get-to solution that will certainly tick those boxes.
Further along, under the Monte-Carlo Beach hotel, there is another private and secluded ‘beach’. To get to this spot, beachgoers have to go in the direction of the hotel and take the hidden stairway on the right of the driveway that leads up to the establishment. This route will take you down a somewhat unappealing tunnel, but follow it through and you will be rewarded with a concrete platform right on the water that overlooks the Principality and the Mediterranean Sea.
The secret spot below the Monte-Carlo Beach hotel. Photo by Monaco Life
If you continue beyond the concrete platform, you will soon find yet another small beach enclave right under Club La Vigie. It’s quite rocky here and is not the easiest place to access the cooling water, but few people know about this little beach, meaning that it’s one of the quietest spots in the Principality for a swim.
The tiny beach enclave by Club La Vigie. Photo by Monaco Life
