Understanding AI’s everyday impact: ‘Immersive Week’ in Monaco kicks off

12/11/2024

This year’s edition of Immersive Week is exploring the growing influence of artificial intelligence through a series of public workshops and professional conferences in Monaco.

The second edition of Immersive Week was unveiled at the Maison du Numérique in the Jardins d’Apolline on Tuesday 12th November. This event aims to give the public and professionals a deeper understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and its increasing presence in everyday life.

Running from 12th to 15th November, the event, delivered in French, is structured into two key segments: one aimed at the general public and the other focused on professional partners. Organised by the Maison du Numérique, a collaborative initiative between the Princely Government, Monaco Telecom, and the Mairie de Monaco, the event takes place at this digital resource centre, which is designed to support citizens in using both current and emerging technologies.

Pascal Rouison, head of the Interministerial Delegation for Digital Transformation, explained, “We created this event around AI to allow people to be informed on a topic that increasingly influences our lives. By showcasing experts and speakers, we want to offer diverse perspectives and foster enriching discussions about AI’s applications and the challenges and opportunities it presents in our lives.”

Exploring AI’s impact

The programme for the general public includes various activities designed to engage and educate attendees, regardless of their familiarity with technology. Workshops will teach participants the basics of AI alongside more advanced sessions that explore the technology’s ethical implications and real-world applications. Experts will lead hands-on demonstrations and share their insights on how AI transforms industries and everyday tasks.

See more: The ‘biodigital’ frontier, where virtual influencers are establishing a new age of marketing

The first day of the event featured an introduction to AI, with a session to provide a foundational understanding of how AI works and its current uses.

On subsequent days, topics will cover a range of subjects, from AI’s role in healthcare and education to its applications in business, transportation, and entertainment. Speakers will also delve into the ethical considerations surrounding AI, addressing concerns about privacy, security, and the potential for job displacement due to automation.

“The Maison du Numérique has the goal of supporting the population in making better use of information and communication technologies,” said Charles Maricic, Deputy Mayor of Monaco in charge of Digital Transition. “At a time when artificial intelligence promises to transform our lives, this second edition of Immersive Week will enable us better to understand AI’s tangible effects on our daily lives.”

In addition to the public-facing sessions, Immersive Week’s professional component will focus on AI’s business applications. Throughout the event, local businesses, industry leaders, and government representatives will participate in discussions that explore AI’s potential for enhancing business operations and developing innovative products and services. The goal is to help businesses understand how they can leverage AI to remain competitive in an increasingly digital world.

The event will conclude with panel discussions and Q&A sessions, allowing participants to engage directly with experts. The entire programme is open to everyone, with the professional conferences also offered in a hybrid format, allowing unlimited participation. To view the full schedule and register for the meetings, click here: https://www.maisondunumerique.mc/agenda.

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Photo, from L to R: Martin Peronnet (General Director of Monaco Telecom), Pascal Rouison (Head of the Interministerial Delegation for Digital Transformation), and Charles Maricic (Deputy Mayor of Monaco, in charge of Digital Transition) by Niki Borisova, Monaco Life.

Local talent on show at Forum des Artistes de Monaco

by: Niki Borisova

12/11/2024

The 7th Forum des Artistes in Monaco is a unique showcase of local art, featuring everything from striking portraits to iconic event photos, with the Public Choice Award adding an interesting twist.

The Forum des Artistes de Monaco, organised by the Direction des Affaires Culturelles, is currently underway at the Auditorium Rainier III, open daily from 1pm to 7pm, until Thursday, 14th of November. Admission to the exhibition is free.

This annual event, established under the initiative of Monaco’s Princely Government, provides local and resident artists a platform to exhibit their work to the public. This year’s forum features over 80 artists showcasing pieces in painting, sculpture, and photography, spotlighting professional and amateur talent from the region.

In keeping with its previous editions, the forum introduces new participants and different artistic approaches, broadening the scope of creative techniques on display.

*Local artists are given a platform to display their art during the forum. Photo by Monaco Life*

The exhibition includes a range of artwork, from paintings capturing different facets of Monaco, to collages, sculptures, and portraits of animals and well-known personalities like Frida Kahlo and Audrey Hepburn. Photographs of key moments from the past year are also on display, including images of Charles Leclerc’s victory at the Monaco Grand Prix and the Princely couple carrying the Olympic flame through the Place du Palais.

A standout feature of the event is the Public Choice Award, which invites visitors to vote for their favourite piece from the exhibition. This year, the honour went to artist Kako Micallef for the digital artwork Femmes des mondes (planète Tokyo). Micallef’s piece, which explores themes of identity and place in a global context, stood out among the varied works on display.

The award offers a way for the public to engage directly with the art and artists, giving local creators a sense of how their work resonates with audiences. Adding to the interactive experience, a message book at the entrance invites visitors to leave personal notes for the artists.

Main photo credit: Niki Borisova, Monaco Life

“Cracking start” for Boris Herrmann as he sets sail on his second Vendée Globe challenge

by: Stephanie Horsman

12/11/2024

The Vendée Globe, known as the “Everest of the Seas”, launched its 10th edition on the weekend, drawing massive crowds to the French coastal town of Les Sables d’Olonne to witness the grand start of 40 IMOCA-series boats heading out on their epic journey. German skipper Boris Herrmann, at the helm of the Monaco Yacht Club-based Malizia-Seaexplorer, embarked for the second time on this solo around-the-world event with a confident start that quickly set him apart from the fleet.

The start of the 2024 Vendée Globe took place at 1:02pm on Sunday 10^th November under favourable conditions, much to the delight of sailors.

Amongst the competitors was Boris Herrmann, the first German to complete the Vendée Globe in 2021 and the captain of the Monaco-based Malizia-Seaexplorer. “I feel great and I’m very keen to go,” he said on the day. “I slept well, though I woke up an hour too early from my alarm. Then I cuddled with my dog Lilli for a bit.”

Before bidding farewell to family and supporters, Herrmann also took a moment with Prince Albert II, who praised Herrmann’s dedication, saying “Boris and the other sailors involved are ambassadors and players in this formidable effort to protect the oceans.”

The Prince had travelled to Les Sables d’Olonne to wish Herrmann well and also to sign a partnership agreement between Monaco and the Vendée Globe Foundation.

*Photo: Boris Herrmann, credit: Marie Lefloch/Team Malizia*

GOOD START TO AN INTENSE RACE

Herrmann led the fleet for the initial stretch, skilfully seizing an advantage at the starting line. With more wind at the pin end of the line, he gained over 200 meters in the first 20 minutes of the race, asserting himself as an early frontrunner.

The Vendée Globe covers 45,000 kilometres (24,300 nautical miles), spanning the Atlantic, the Southern Ocean, and the three iconic capes- Good Hope, Leeuwin, and Horn- before returning north to finish in Les Sables d’Olonne.

The journey will challenge each skipper’s skill, stamina, and mental resilience. The finish is expected between mid to late January, with Herrmann seen as one of the favourites due to his proven experience. He finished fifth in the last edition and has had a remarkable series of results this year, including a win in The Ocean Race’s Southern Ocean leg.

“A success would be to do a good race for myself, in terms of taking the potential of the boat as well as my own,” Herrmann said. “And then we will see the result.”

Pierre Casiraghi, co-founder of Team Malizia and vice-president of the Yacht Club de Monaco, joined Herrmann in the days leading up to the start. “It’s fantastic,” said Casiraghi. “This is the culmination of years of work. For us, Boris is one of the contenders for the podium, but the Vendée Globe is such a long race with so many variables that, above all, it’s crucial to finish it.”

ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT

Beyond the competition, Herrmann and Team Malizia are driven by an environmental mission. Their campaign, ‘A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now!’, is supported by seven main partners and aims to raise awareness for ocean and climate protection.

As Herrmann noted, “Like in every race, delivery, or training we do, I have the OceanPack onboard. This automated laboratory very precisely measures ocean CO₂ concentrations, temperature, and salinity data.”

The data is part of a growing dataset accessible to scientists for research on ocean climate dynamics, especially crucial in the Southern Ocean where few vessels gather such information.

As Herrmann embarks on the demanding 80-day journey, he’s prepared to take it one leg at a time, saying, “I’ll need to break it down into small stages to avoid feeling overwhelmed.”

See also:

Prince Albert II Foundation launches partnership with Vendée Globe Foundation to champion ocean conservation

Main photo: Boris Herrmann setting off on his second Vendée Globe competition, sailing the Monaco Yacht Club flag, photo credit: Marie Lefloch/Team Malizi

Elf The Musical to bring festive magic and exclusive perks for young fans to Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti

12/11/2024

Elf The Musical is set to bring holiday cheer to the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco from 27th to 29th November, with festive performances and extra treats for young fans. This family-friendly musical, performed in its original English with French surtitles, promises an immersive Christmas experience for all ages.

Students in Monaco can take advantage of a 50% discount on tickets for the Thursday 28th November, 7:30 p.m. show. To receive the discount, students simply need to present a valid school ID, bus card, lunch card, or school certificate at the Grimaldi Forum box office, making this festive performance more accessible to Monaco’s student community.

Young fans dressed as elves for any show have an additional treat to look forward to. Children arriving in costume can enter a raffle for the chance to win a special Christmas afternoon tea at Petit Café Robuchon in Monaco. Families should download and print the contest entry form online or pick one up at the venue. Upon arrival, they can validate their entry at the general reception for a chance to win this seasonal delight of sweets and warm drinks.

Elf The Musical will run three days with performances on Wednesday 27th November at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Thursday 28th November at 7:30 p.m., and Friday 29th November at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at €31 for children under 12, and families are encouraged to reserve seats online or by calling the Grimaldi Forum box office at +377 99 99 30 00.

For ticket sales, click here.

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Main photo source: Grimaldi Forum Monaco

Association Monégasque des Handicapés Moteurs launches annual fundraising campaign

by: Stephanie Horsman

12/11/2024

The Association Monégasque des Handicapés Moteurs has started its annual letter campaign to support their mission for social integration and improved well-being for the Principality’s disabled population. Here’s more on what this extraordinary association does.

Over the coming days, Monaco residents will find letters from the Monegasque Association of Motor Handicapped People (AMHM) in their post boxes marking the association’s annual fundraising appeal. The AMHM, founded in 1969 as the local branch of France’s Association des Paralysés, has long been a pillar of support, striving to enhance the lives and societal integration of people with physical disabilities in and around the Principality.

Since its establishment, the organisation has relied on the generosity of Monaco’s residents, and that spirit of giving continues to be vital. Under the honorary presidency of Prince Albert II since 2005, AMHM addresses various disabilities, from visible mobility impairments to hidden conditions like hearing or sight loss, as well as chronic illnesses that are not easily detectable. Currently, they serve 25 physically disabled members and 55 supporters from Monaco and the neighbouring areas.

SPORT, CREATIVE AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES

AMHM’s adaptive sports programmes provide experiences for its members, such as skiing, skydiving, and even sailing with the Monaco Yacht Club, which began this year. Members, including AMHM vice-president Steeve Martinelli, have taken part in Monaco’s popular No Finish Line charity event and other AMHM members have participated in all-terrain hiking excursions using a joëlette single-wheel wheelchair to get out and enjoy nature.

“Our association wants to continue its actions for as long as possible in order to contribute to the well-being and health of our members,” said Annie Olivi, president of AMHM. “They never fail to teach us something very special about life. Increasingly, through sporting activities, we are working on the development and social integration of people with disabilities.”

To foster creativity, AMHM also hosts an annual all-expense paid holiday for members, along with volunteer-led workshops in theatre, dance, cooking, yoga, embroidery, and pottery. Handcrafted ceramic Christmas nativity scenes, made by artists Jane and Jean Gollino, are available for purchase, with proceeds supporting the association’s initiatives. These crèches will be on display at Menton’s Palais de l’Europe during the Salon des Artistes Amateurs on 23^rd and 24^th November.

Looking ahead, AMHM has added first-aid training sessions with the Monaco Red Cross and bao-pao electronic music classes at Académie Rainier III to its activity roster for 2024.

IMPROVING ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED

Beyond activities, AMHM has worked to improve accessibility in the Principality. The association has successfully advocated for adaptations to be made in public areas, such as the facilities at Larvotto Beach, and dropped curbs at pedestrian crossings.

They also provide moral and administrative support to families, offer medical equipment loans, and run two wheelchair-accessible vehicles for transporting members to appointments. Additionally, AMHM owns nine wheelchair-accessible flats, available for short-term and long-term rentals or stays.

For more on the association and how to donate, click here https://www.amhm98.com/

Photo source: Association Monégasque des Handicapés Moteurs Facebook page

France seeks to relive housing crisis by tightening rules on short-term rentals

by: Stephanie Horsman

12/11/2024

The French parliament has unanimously passed a new bill to tighten regulations on the short-term tourist rental market. The move will reduce the tax breaks enjoyed by owners of meublés de tourisme, or tourist properties, and target platforms such as Airbnb.

A new law has come into effect in France aimed at imposing stricter rules on short-term tourist rentals. The bill, which has been in the works since April 2023, sailed through France’s upper house, the Senate, on 7th November after previously being approved by the National Assembly.

Lower tax breaks on rentals

The bill will reduce the tax breaks currently enjoyed on tourist properties, with the intention of freeing up more of these rentals for long-term tenants and making long-term agreements more attractive to homeowners.

Housing shortages across France prompted the action. According to National Assembly member Inaki Echaniz, the number of short-term tourist rentals in France has exploded from 300,000 to 1.2 million in the past eight years, a trend that has proved detrimental to the stability of the long-term rental market.

According to another supporter of the bill, Annaïg Le Meur, the current business model employed by meublés de tourisme owners and rental service platforms such as Airbnb is “spiralling out of control.” Quoted in Le Monde, Le Meur argues that Airbnb-type rentals have contributed to “encouraging speculation” and “further complicating access to conventional housing.”

Under the new regulations, tax allowances for furnished tourist accommodation will fall to 50% from 71%, with a cap lowered to €77,700. The legislation will also cut tax breaks for non-classified tourist properties—known as meublés de tourisme non-classés in French—to 30% from 50%, with a €15,000 cap. These properties include gîtes, the self-contained holiday homes typically found in rural areas that have a separate classification from holiday lets.

It will also now be possible to cut the rental duration of primary residences to 90 days a year, down from 120 days, and local authorities will be able to set quotas for the number of furnished tourist accommodations allowed in any given area.

Effects on Airbnb

Airbnb’s presence in France is considerable. The nation represents the company’s second-largest domestic market, with listings in over 29,000 cities and towns.

Airbnb has reacted to the news of the changing regulations by saying they will place additional tax burdens on homeowners. Nevertheless, the company does not anticipate a knock-on effect to its business.

“We regret the inclusion of additional measures that will burden everyday families with extra tax costs and bureaucracy,” the company said to AFP in a statement.

The hotel industry, meanwhile, has applauded the move. France’s Socialist party has also welcomed the changes, but the far right has condemned the bill, saying it imposes “an outrageous and punitive tax system” on people trying to earn supplementary incomes.

The law will come into effect in January 2025.

Read related:

Tourist tax on Airbnbs in the south of France generated almost €40m in revenue in 2023

Photo credit: Kylie Paz, Unsplash

Month: November 2024