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Day: 16 January 2025

Monaco strengthens its presence at Davos 2025 with the Monaco House

by: Cassandra Tanti
16/01/2025

The Principality of Monaco is set to enhance its global profile at the 55th edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) by hosting a dedicated event, the Monaco House, on 23rd January, highlighting Monaco’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration.

With over 2,500 global political and economic leaders expected to convene in Davos under the theme ‘Collaborating in the Age of Intelligence’, Monaco’s presence aims to spotlight its unique strengths and forward-thinking initiatives.

A platform for global dialogue

The Monaco House will serve as a hub for strategic discussions and partnerships, bringing together influential stakeholders from diverse fields. Spearheaded by Prince Albert II and supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Monaco’s representation includes key institutions such as the Monaco Economic Board, the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, and the Monaco Private Label.

See also: Interview – Monaco Private Label’s Chloé Leclercq and her vision for the global elite club

The agenda features keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities focused on critical topics such as artificial intelligence, the blue economy, and sustainable investment. Esteemed speakers and moderators, including Fabien Cousteau, Larry Summers, and Bertrand Piccard, will share insights on shaping a sustainable and prosperous future.

Promoting Monaco’s global vision

According to a statement by the government, Monaco aims to present itself as a beacon of opportunity in Europe—a hub of innovation and a leader in sustainability. By fostering collaborations with global leaders, the Principality seeks to highlight its strategic role in addressing pressing global challenges while showcasing its commitment to responsible development.

A memorable conclusion

The day will culminate with closing remarks from Prince Albert II, during which he will speak about Monaco’s dedication to fostering international cooperation and innovation. A cocktail reception hosted by the Monaco Private Label will follow, providing attendees with additional networking opportunities.

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: Evangeline Shaw, Unsplash

 

Marlow opens in Monaco’s new Mareterra neighbourhood

by: Elsa Carpenter
16/01/2025

Monaco’s latest restaurant address, Marlow – or Lady M as the stylish diner may come to be known – has been officially opened by Prince Albert II, marking the launch of a unique dining experience in the Principality’s newest neighbourhood.

On Wednesday 15th January, the eve of the restaurant’s first public service, Prince Albert headed down to the recently unveiled Mareterra eco-district to formally inaugurate Marlow alongside Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer’s (SBM) CEO Stéphane Valeri and the restaurant’s general manager, Bryan Gaillard.

The 400sqm restaurant, which occupies a ground-floor space off Place Princesse Gabriella, is part of SBM’s increasingly diverse and cosmopolitan portfolio, and is betting on its somewhat unexpected character to draw in the crowds.

Left to right: General Manager Bryan Gaillard, SBM CEO Stéphane Valeri and Prince Albert II of Monaco. Photo credit: credit: Stéphane Danna / Monaco Communications Department

Marlow, or Lady M as SBM describes the restaurant’s persona, has combined the traditional elegance of a British establishment with Monaco’s own signature sophisticated vibe, offering a morning-to-night dining experience that is unmatched in any eatery of this size in the Principality.

See more: The mighty Mareterra: Prince Albert II inaugurates “his vision” of sustainable urban development

Patrons can begin their day with a hearty English breakfast – albeit undoubtedly more refined – before sampling more luxurious and elegant plates as the hours transition from lunch to afternoon. Of course, there is a tea service complete with wonderfully soft scones and bite-sized sandwiches. No establishment claiming English inspiration could be without an afternoon tea!

By night, Marlow will be serving up a selection of gourmet dishes crafted from the finest local and Mediterranean produce, but with a resolutely British twist.

The restaurant, designed by Franco-Mexican architect Hugo Toro, reflects the boldly British influences elsewhere at Marlow. Rich woods, warm lighting and marble tops fill the space, which is centred around a large bar, while carefully chosen decorative styling items add an authentically English feel to the atmosphere.

Heading up Marlow is General Manager Bryan Gaillard, who brings with him extensive experience from some of London’s most renowned clubs and restaurants. This is his second posting in Monaco; he was previously the General Manager at NYX Monaco, the private members club on Avenue des Citronniers.

To see more of Marlow, click on the images below, photos courtesy Monte-Carlo SBM:

Read related:

Mareterra revealed: The story behind Monaco’s bold architecture

 

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.

 

Photos credit: Stéphane Danna / Monaco Communications Department

 

Historic 15th century Irish chalice to make rare appearance at Princess Grace Irish Library

by: Niki Borisova
16/01/2025

Following its unveiling at a private mass at the Palais Princier de Monaco earlier this month, the unique Ó Learghusa chalice, a 15th-century vessel steeped in history, will make a one-night appearance in Monaco as part of the Princess Grace Irish Library’s 2025 cultural programme.

On Wednesday 22nd January, the Princess Grace Irish Library (PGIL) will host an exclusive viewing of the silver-gilt Ó Learghusa chalice alongside a lecture and presentation on its history, led by Dr. Małgorzata Krasnodębska D’Aughton, a Senior Lecturer at University College Cork who specialises in medieval Irish history.

Dr. Krasnodębska D’Aughton will provide historical context for the chalice, focusing on its origins and its journey from the Kilconnell Franciscan friary in County Galway. During the 17th century, liturgical objects from the friary were relocated to continental Europe for safekeeping, with most subsequently lost. The Ó Learghusa chalice, however, resurfaced in 2021 when it was sold at auction by Duke’s Auctioneers in Dorchester.

Research conducted since then by University College Cork and the National Museum of Ireland, which included advanced 3D imaging techniques, has revealed significant details about the artifact. These findings will be discussed during the lecture, which aims to shed light on the historical and cultural significance of the chalice.

The chalice was also the focus of a separate event in Monaco on Sunday 12th January, when it was used during a private mass held within the Chapelle Saint Jean-Baptiste of the Palais Princier. Prince Albert II and his elder sister, Princess Caroline of Hanover, both attended the ceremony, alongside PGIL Director Paula Farquharson.

The event at the PGIL will begin at 7pm and will be followed by a post-lecture reception at the library. Tickets are available here.

Read related:

40 years of Princess Grace Irish Library honoured in commemorative book

 

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: Michael Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco

Hands-on history at the Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique’s Archaeology Day

by: Niki Borisova
16/01/2025
Archaeology Day Monaco

Later this month, Monaco’s Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique will host a family-friendly event offering an immersive experience into the fascinating world of archaeology. Designed to appeal to budding archaeologists of all ages, the event will combine education with hands-on activities, such as a workshop on early fire-making techniques.

On Saturday, 25th January, from 2pm to 4pm, visitors to the museum’s Archaeology Day event can enjoy exclusive access to the museum’s current exhibits, including the new L’Effet Papillon display on ecosystem transformations and the role of animals in evolution. They will also have the opportunity to explore a research laboratory typically closed to the public.

In addition, attendees can participate in a prehistoric fire-making workshop, where they will learn to replicate the methods used by early humans to spark flames.

With limited spots available for just 20 participants, early booking is essential. Admission is free, but reservations are required. To book a place, contact +377 98 98 80 06 or email map@gouv.mc.

Read related:

Unearthing the past: Musée d’Anthropologie Prehistorique explores the ancient Mediterranean

 

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: Musée d’Anthropologie Préhistorique de Monaco 

NatureMetrics becomes first private company to join €100 million ReOcean Fund portfolio

by: Stephanie Horsman
16/01/2025

NatureMetrics, a pioneering UK-based environmental technology company that provides innovative biodiversity and ecosystem health tracking and measurement systems, has become the first company to join the portfolio of the ReOcean Fund, an initiative launched by Prince Albert II and his eponymous foundation almost two years ago.

Healthy oceans are critical to a healthy planet. The world’s oceans absorb 93% of the heat from anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, contribute €1 trillion to the global economy and feed almost half of the global population, yet they are being degraded in alarming ways through neglect and human-generated pollution.

During Monaco Ocean Week 2023, Prince Albert II announced that the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation had partnered with Monaco Asset Management to create and launch the ReOcean Fund, a concept designed to offer regenerative solutions to the challenges facing the world’s oceans.

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

“There are very few tasks as vast, complex, overwhelming, and yet as urgent as the ones we are dealing with here: to save the ocean,” said Prince Albert at the time. “The ocean needs us, and it needs you.”

The overarching goal of the ReOcean Fund is to channel €100 million over 10 years into SDG No.14, ‘Life Below Water,’ which aims to catalyse the next generation of ocean innovations to support the transition towards a net-zero, regenerative and more equitable economy.

Over the past few years, the ReOcean Fund has called on organisations willing to invest in its goals, which focus on supporting groundbreaking Series A and B companies in five key areas aligned with SDG 14: tackling plastic pollution, fostering sustainable blue food systems, advancing green shipping and yachting, promoting restoration and protection efforts, and enhancing ocean data capabilities.

It is within this fifth sector that NatureMetrics finds its strongest alignment.

Recognised globally for its pioneering use of environmental technology, the UK-based company is an ideal fit for the ReOcean project. NatureMetrics provides innovative solutions enabling businesses to track their environmental impact while meeting emerging nature-reporting commitments. The company has now become the first to join the ReOcean Fund’s portfolio, having recently won a Planetary Health Award at an event hosted in the Principality by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

See more: Three visionaries in sustainability and conservation recognised at 2024 Planetary Health Awards

“NatureMetrics is revolutionising biodiversity data by turning insights into actionable strategies that align economic growth with environmental and ocean resilience,” said Olivier Wenden, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. “This innovation drives value creation while setting a new benchmark for embedding ocean health into business decisions—a natural fit for the ReOcean Fund’s mission to transform the blue economy.”

With €50 million already raised towards its €100 million target, the ReOcean Fund will continue mobilising capital into 2025 to drive the next wave of ocean innovation. So far, 19 investors, including the Monaco Government, have committed to the fund’s vision.

Read related:

Interview: Olivier Wenden, CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

 

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: NatureMetrics

Monaco’s bobsleigh team pushes for Olympic spot at Milan Cortina 2026

by: Niki Borisova
16/01/2025

Monaco’s four-man bobsleigh team is pushing forward with its Olympic ambitions, steadily climbing the ranks on the road to Milan Cortina 2026.

While the top teams battled for gold at the IBSF World Cup in St. Moritz on 12th January, Monaco’s bobsleigh team was working to secure vital points in its fight for Olympic qualification. With just over a year until the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games begin, the athletes representing the Principality remain focused on making the cut by earning a quota berth for the microstate.

The qualification period for Milan Cortina began in October 2024 and runs until January 2026. During this time, athletes accumulate ranking points through competitions, with the IBSF World Cup serving as the primary platform for earning spots. Only 28 sleds will qualify for the four-man event, making every race critical.

Boris Vain, competing alongside his three teammates in the four-man bobsleigh, has picked up 88 points thus far in the 2024/25 IBSF World Cup by finishing 17th in St. Moritz. He currently sits in 50th place in the rankings. Vain is expected to take to the track again in Innsbruck, Austria, on 18th and 19th January.

See more: Monaco bobsleigh duo celebrate fourth place at IBSF World Cup in Latvia

Building on a legacy

Monaco’s own Prince Albert II competed in five Winter Olympics between 1988 and 2002, laying the foundation for the nation’s participation in the sport. More recently, athletes Rudy Rinaldi and Boris Vain delivered Monaco’s best-ever Olympic result with a sixth-place finish in the two-man bobsleigh at the 2022 Beijing Games.

Rinaldi, who began his career with a bronze medal at the inaugural Youth Winter Olympics in Innsbruck in 2012, has been a key figure in Monaco’s rise.

Vain, meanwhile, has also played a crucial role in Monaco’s bobsleigh success, achieving the country’s best World Championship result in 20 years with a seventh-place finish in the two-man event at the 2024 IBSF World Championships in Winterberg, Germany, alongside Antoine Riou.

Read related:

2030 Winter Olympics coming to the French Alps

 

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: Viesturs Lacis Rekords / IBSF / Olympics.com