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Month: December 2024

ISM gala commemorates 30th anniversary and new beginnings in Testimonio II

by: Cassandra Tanti
18/12/2024

The International School of Monaco (ISM) has marked its 30th anniversary with a spectacular gala at the Salle des Etoiles. With Prince Albert II as guest of honour, the occasion celebrated three decades of the school’s contributions to international education in the Principality and its successful transition into a new state-of-the-art campus. 

The gala on Tuesday 10th December brought together members of the ISM community, including parents, alumni, staff, and prominent figures from Monaco, in a reflection on the school’s achievements and future ambitions.

The 30th anniversary gala was held at the Salle des Eotiles

“The ISM 30th Anniversary Gala provided a spectacular culmination of our capital fundraising campaign for our wonderful new school in Testimonio II,” ISM Director Stuart Bryan told Monaco Life.

“It also brought our entire ISM community together in celebration of 30 years of aspiring to achieve our vision of international education with distinction in everything we do. A huge thank you to the Board of Trustees for hosting the event and to our ISM Gala Committee and dedicated Performing Arts staff for leading and planning every aspect of the entire event.”

Students performed throughout the evening

Student performances, spanning from early years to the graduating Year 13 class, were a highlight of the evening and showcased the school’s emphasis on creativity and cultural engagement.

Auctions, led by renowned auctioneer Simon de Pury and organised under the auspices of Maître Grimaud-Palmero, raised additional funds to support ISM’s continued growth and innovation in education.

The gala also raised additional funds for the school’s transition to Testimonio II, which took place in September

The event was co-hosted by Francesca Agostinelli, an Italian entrepreneur and philanthropist, alongside Susie Wolff, Managing Director of the F1 Academy and a Monaco resident.

Their contributions lent a polished and professional tone to the celebration, which also saw widespread praise for the efforts of the ISM Gala Committee and Performing Arts staff in ensuring a successful evening.

Prince Albert II with the gala organisers and MCs.

Having settled into its new campus earlier this academic year, ISM used the occasion to reflect on its rich history while looking forward to a future of continued distinction in international education.

See also: 

Inside the new state-of-the-art International School of Monaco campus

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.

All photos credit: Robert Shack Photography

 

New logistics centre in Monaco set to optimise parcel distribution and ease congestion

by: Stephanie Horsman
18/12/2024

La Poste Monaco, with the backing of the government, has inaugurated a new Point Accueil Marchandises (PAM), or Goods Reception Point, on Boulevard du Jardin Exotique. This logistics centre aims to manage the growing demand for parcels and deliveries throughout Monaco while optimising schedules to reduce the number of delivery vehicles circulating on the Principality’s streets.

Currently, up to 5,700 parcels for residents and businesses are delivered daily across 30 routes and 4,200 delivery points in Monaco. As demand continues to rise, streamlining these operations has become essential to maintaining service quality and mitigating further road congestion.

To tackle this challenge, La Poste Monaco and the Monaco Government have launched the Goods Reception Point. This state-of-the-art logistics hub, spanning approximately 1,500 m² on Boulevard du Jardin Exotique, serves as a central collection point for parcels arriving at Monaco’s borders. The centre then facilitates deliveries via express transport operators, optimising delivery routes and reducing the number of utility vehicle trips within the city.

In the near future, the hub will work in tandem with the forthcoming La Poste Monaco Sorting Centre, part of the Ilot Pasteur project. This facility is designed to process up to 2,500 parcels daily, with the potential for increased capacity through extended operating hours and a fleet of 14 electric delivery vehicles operated by professional couriers.

The Jardin Exotique centre features a 24/7 parcel locker for round-the-clock collections. Its customer service desk, which serves as a drop-off and collection point, is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 12pm, offering added convenience for individuals and businesses alike.

To further enhance efficiency, the facility includes dedicated delivery zones, all aimed at reducing urban traffic while strengthening the Principality’s distribution network.

Read related:

Monaco unveils new ‘park and ride’ facility, Parking Salines

 

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.

 

Photo credit: Stephane Danna / Monaco Communications Department

The Nativity in Monaco: Chemin des Crèches returns

by: Niki Borisova
18/12/2024

Monaco’s Chemin des Crèches is back with new displays and an expanded route. This feature of the Christmas season in Monaco is both a celebration of global artistry and local traditions.

Running until 6th January 2025, the pathway up to the Rock of Monaco features an array of nativity scenes from across the globe. Monaco Life headed out on the trail to explore how this year’s edition is honouring creative skill and heritage while offering a new perspective on the historic streets of Le Rocher.

The route begins at the Rampe Major, where an interactive QR code-based game has been introduced at the Porte Neuve. Visitors are invited to answer a quiz, available in French, English, and Italian, which encourages observation of the crèches while testing knowledge of nativity traditions. From there, the path climbs towards the Place du Palais, where festive displays unfold across several key landmarks.

At the chalet near the Statue de la Mer and Malizia terrace, a luminous arrangement of blue and white nativity scenes sets the tone for the journey. The route continues around the space, extending to the large chalet under the pines on the Place du Palais, where this year’s centrepiece pays tribute to Africa and Madagascar. Around 15 crèches, crafted with native materials, reflect the creativity of artisans from some of the world’s most resource-limited regions.

Venturing deeper into the neighbourhood, Monaco Life uncovered yet more of this year’s highlights. At the Placette des Carmes, a chalet marks the centenary of the Comité National des Traditions Monégasques with a display of a 19th-century crèche by a Provençal santonnier. Nearby, the Chapelle de la Miséricorde is hosting a handcrafted Nativity scene celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Princess Grace Irish Library. The display, created in collaboration with FANB school students, blends traditional craftsmanship with the involvement of younger generations.

Further along, close to the Place de la Mairie, a striking nativity scene carved into the wheel of a 19th-century Savoyard wagon is tucked into the small shelter of the Sœurs Oblates de La Vierge Marie de Fatima. A family-owned nativity, preserved by a longstanding Monegasque family, is also on display in the pharmacy window at 15 Rue Comte Félix Gastaldi.

Education remains a central theme of this year’s Chemin des Crèches, with works from three local primary school classes featured as part of the Coin Créations des Écoliers.

To see more of the displays, click on the images below:

 

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.

 

All photos by Monaco Life

France’s AI report warns of US “hegemonic power” and risks to Europe’s digital sovereignty

by: Cassandra Tanti
17/12/2024

The United States’ dominance in artificial intelligence (AI) poses a significant challenge to Europe’s digital sovereignty, according to a new report from France’s Parliamentary Office for Scientific and Technological Assessment (OPECST). French lawmakers warn that the European Union’s approach to regulating AI is insufficient to match the technological strides made by the US and China.

At a press conference presenting the findings, Socialist Party Senator Corinne Narassiguin, one of the report’s three authors, stated, “The challenge is one of digital sovereignty, to avoid becoming a mere digital colony.” She emphasized the need for powerful French and European players in the AI sector to counterbalance American and Chinese dominance.

Europe lagging in AI value chain and expertise

The report highlights several vulnerabilities in Europe’s AI ecosystem, including its absence in critical segments of the supply chain such as the manufacturing of semiconductors and graphics processing units. It also points to a significant brain drain, with top European talent being lured to US companies. While the French AI company Mistral represents a notable exception, the report concludes that the US remains the “hegemonic power of artificial intelligence.”

Adding to Europe’s challenges, two-thirds of computer chips used in the US originate in Taiwan, underscoring the interdependence of global AI supply chains and the difficulty for any nation or region to achieve true autonomy in the sector.

Calls for unified international AI governance

The report comes ahead of France’s AI Action Summit, scheduled for February 2025. Lawmakers have called for the unification of global AI governance efforts under the United Nations. “The importance and specificity of AI call for the creation of a new specialised institution within the UN system,” the report proposes, with responsibilities spanning international AI regulation and efforts to bridge the global digital divide.

At the European level, the report advocates launching a collaborative AI project involving France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, and Spain. This initiative, while considered since 2017, has yet to be realized.

Balancing innovation with public trust

Despite its critique of Europe’s current position, the report notes the EU’s regulatory framework could instill greater public confidence in AI systems compared to those developed under less stringent oversight. Recommendations from the French parliamentary office will be presented to the French government as it prepares for the summit, which aims to chart a path toward an AI ecosystem that serves the public interest.

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. 

Photo credit: Solen Feyissa on Unsplash

 

Monaco receives prestigious European Energy Award Gold Certification

by: Stephanie Horsman
17/12/2024

The Monaco Government has revealed that the Principality recently attained the European Energy Award (EEA) Gold Certification, a highly esteemed accolade that recognises the nation’s dedication to sustainable energy practices and climate policy. Achieving an impressive score of 80.2%, Monaco has secured its place among only a select few territories to achieve this pinnacle of environmental excellence.

The EEA Gold certification is reserved for regions and states that demonstrate exceptional commitment to reducing carbon emissions, safeguarding biodiversity and adapting to climate challenges, with this upper tier of recognition representing the highest distinction at the European level for entities devoted to executing their Climate Air Energy Plans effectively.

The achievement thus underscores Monaco’s success in implementing tangible actions that are building a forward-thinking, efficient and sustainable national energy strategy while highlighting the Principality’s leadership and unified efforts in environmental stewardship.

Monaco’s Environment Department is a decision-making member of the EEA Association alongside its equivalents from countries such as Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg and Switzerland. By continuing this shared commitment, the Principality aims to pave the way for a more sustainable future for its residents and generations to come.

A statement from the government reads: “This distinction is a testament to the Principality’s concerted efforts and environmental leadership. Continuing this collective effort will build a more sustainable future for Monaco and future generations. Receiving this EEA Gold Label marks a major step in the implementation and monitoring of Monaco’s energy and climate policy, further demonstrating its exemplary role both nationally and internationally.”

Representatives for the Principality received the award during a ceremony held in Bolzano, Italy, on 28th November.

Read related:

Greenhouse gas emissions in Monaco have fallen by more than a third since 1990

 

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.

 

Photo credit: Stephane Danna / Monaco Communications Department

Prince Albert sends condolences as Mayotte grapples with Cyclone Chido devastation

by: Stephanie Horsman
17/12/2024

In the wake of Cyclone Chido, which has brought death and destruction to the French overseas territory of Mayotte, Prince Albert II of Monaco has written to President Emmanuel Macron, expressing his deep sorrow at the news and pledging his support to the people of Mayotte. Almost 70% of the island’s population is said to have been gravely affected by the devastating cyclone, with many hundreds, if not thousands, of people reported dead or missing.

A major cyclone struck the French overseas territory of Mayotte, which lies to the northwest of Madagascar, on 14th December. It has left widespread devastation in its wake; entire neighbourhoods have been levelled, with many thousands of people now homeless and without access to basic essentials such as fresh food and water.

Hundreds of people are missing or dead, leading the authorities on the island to estimate that the death toll may rise into the thousands.

In response to the disaster, which has wrought havoc on Mayotte’s fragile infrastructure, the French government has mobilised military aircraft and ships to deliver emergency aid and supplies. President Emmanuel Macron has announced his plans to visit the island. He has also declared that a national mourning period will be observed following “this tragedy that has shaken each of us.”

In Mamoudzou, the island’s capital, the destruction has been described as “total”.

Schools, hospitals, and homes have been reduced to rubble following winds that exceeded 220kph, stripping roofs and snapping palm trees in half, while storm surges rose as high as 8.5 metres in the worst-hit areas. Nearly 70% of the population has been gravely affected, according to France’s Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau.

Electricity remains down across much of the island and telecommunications have been severely disrupted. The French Red Cross reported that rescuers are still searching for bodies, with many areas inaccessible due to the destruction, including Mayotte’s sole airport.

Monaco’s Prince Albert has addressed a heartfelt letter to President Macron, writing, “It is with deep emotion that I learned of the terrible destruction caused by the passage of Cyclone Chido in Mayotte. My family and the Monegasque population join me in expressing our sincere solidarity. Our thoughts go first and foremost to the victims and the missing, as well as to their loved ones. We also think of the injured, of all the people who lost their homes in this disaster, as well as the courage of the rescue teams.”

Prince Albert concluded by saying, “Be assured, Mr. President, of our full solidarity and our unwavering support in these very difficult times.”

Read related:

Prince Albert sends condolences to King of Spain following devastating floods

 

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.

 

Photo source: UIISC7 / Sécurité Civile