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Day: 13 February 2025

Monaco joins AI Action Summit in Paris as global divisions emerge

by: Niki Borisova
13/02/2025

A delegation representing the Principality of Monaco has joined the global discussions on the future of artificial intelligence at the AI Action Summit in Paris, an event that is drawing headlines around the world after the UK and US refused to sign an international agreement on regulation and ethics.

A Monegasque delegation has travelled to the French capital to attend the AI Action Summit at the Grand Palais alongside some 1,500 world leaders, government representatives and industry experts who have gathered to debate the future of AI.

Leading Monaco’s delegation are Valérie Bruell-Melchior, Ambassador of Monaco to France, and Frédéric Genta, Interministerial Delegate for Digital Transition and Attractiveness. Their participation reflects Monaco’s engagement with the broader discussions on AI regulation, ethics and economic impact, as well as international cooperation. For example, on the opening day of the event on 10th February, Genta met with Clara Chappaz, France’s Minister Delegate for AI and Digital Affairs, to exchange views on AI’s role in global governance and economic growth.

While the summit has proved a productive occasion for some – French President Emmanuel Macron announced that his country is to benefit from €109 billion of investments in AI development – the event has brought forward the growing international differences in AI policy.

See more: Macron’s AI push: France lands €109 billion to strengthen tech sector

One of the big moments of the event was the refusal from the UK and the US to sign an international AI agreement that has been endorsed by over 60 countries, including France. The agreement calls for AI development to be open, inclusive and ethical while also recognising the technology’s increasing energy demands, a key topic at the summit.

The UK declined to sign over security and governance concerns, while US Vice President JD Vance argued that strict AI rules could stifle innovation. His stance notably clashes with Macron’s push for tighter regulation.

Macron, who kicked off the summit with an Instagram post featuring deepfake clips of himself in TV shows and films, has framed the event as a call for concrete action on AI policy.

 

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Photo via Monaco Communications Department

Want to be part of the Monaco Grand Prix? Applications now open for 2025 race staff

by: Cassandra Tanti
13/02/2025

Motorsport fans now have the chance to be at the heart of the action as the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM) opens applications for controllers and event staff for the 2025 Formula 1 Monaco Grand Prix. This is a unique opportunity to be part of one of the most iconic races in the world, working behind the scenes to ensure its smooth operation.

To be eligible, candidates must be aged between 18 and 60, in good physical condition, and fluent in French, with a good understanding of English or another foreign language considered an advantage. Residency in Monaco or the surrounding communes is also required, along with full availability for both the Monaco E-Prix and the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Applicants must attend a mandatory presentation session on either Wednesday, 12th March, or Saturday, 15th March 2025, between 1pm and 6pm at the Bungalow on Suffren Raymond Street at Square Gastaud, near the Public Security.

Strict rules apply, including a ban on mobile phones, cameras, smoking, and unauthorised access to restricted areas. While travel, accommodation, and meals are not covered, a compensatory allowance will be provided for each day of attendance.

This is a rare opportunity to experience the Monaco Grand Prix from the inside, playing a vital role in one of the most famous sporting events in the world.

For more details and to apply, visit the official ACM website.

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. 

 

Exclusive Hermès and luxury bags auction at Artcurial

by: Cassandra Tanti
13/02/2025

An exceptional collection of Hermès and luxury bags, featuring both contemporary and vintage pieces, will be available in an exclusive online auction from 14th to 18th February. Showcasing iconic designs, limited editions, and artistic collaborations, this event is set to attract collectors and fashion enthusiasts worldwide.

“The Hermès and Luxury bags sale is a selection of prestigious, recent and vintage pieces from major leather goods brands,” says Cataloguer Victoire Debreil. “We are showcasing iconic models, limited editions and collaborative pieces. This sale presents a wide selection of colours and materials, highlighting the expertise of these historic brands.”

Among the standout pieces is a pair of Air Force 1 sneakers from the highly sought-after collaboration between Nike and Louis Vuitton, created under the artistic direction of Virgil Abloh for the Spring-Summer 2022 menswear collection. This rare sneaker, a perfect embodiment of Abloh’s streetwear influence on the luxury brand, is estimated between €3,000 and €4,000.

Another highlight is the striking blue Keepall bag adorned with polychrome motifs, a product of Louis Vuitton’s collaboration with renowned Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama. “This piece highlights the brand’s dedication to artistic partnerships and innovation while reinterpreting its timeless designs,” says Debreil. The estimated value of this unique Keepall ranges from €2,700 to €3,700.

These items, including a small selection of others, that will be sold in auction are currently on show at Artcurial’s gallery in Monaco.

Beyond these exclusive items, the auction will feature a broad selection of handbags that celebrate the heritage and craftsmanship of luxury fashion houses.

The online auction runs from 14th February at 12pm until 18th February at 12pm. Interested bidders can explore the full catalogue and place their bids online during this period.

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: Air Force 1 sneakers and Louis Vuitton’s Keepall bag created in callobration with Yayoi Kusama. Source: Artcurial

Football: Refereeing controversy as history repeats itself in Monaco defeat to Benfica

by: Luke Entwistle
13/02/2025
Zakaria on the pitch at the Stade Louis II as Monaco take on Benfica in the Champions League

Moatasem Al-Musrati was controversially sent off as AS Monaco once again slumped to defeat at home to Benfica (0-1), just as they did back in November, at the Stade Louis II on Wednesday night.

There was a sense of déjà-vu at the Stade Louis II as, less than three months after their last visit, Benfica returned to the Principality and, once again, the encounter was dominated by a controversial refereeing call.

A cautious encounter bursts into life

The game had started in a relatively tepid manner with both sides (overly) cautious not to concede the first goal in this two-legged Champions League play-off. That caution meant that chances were at a premium throughout, especially in the first half.

Maghnes Akliouche went close for Les Monégasques in the ninth minute and we had to wait until the 43rd minute until the next clear-cut opportunity. This one fell to Benfica with Alvaro Carreras forcing Radoslaw Majecki into a save low to his right.

But the game quickly sparked into life early in the second half. Vangelis Pavlidis beat the offside trap and got goal side of his marker Mohammed Salisu before chipping Radoslaw Majecki from a tight angle.

Just four minutes later and Monaco found themselves a goal down and a man down. It was the contentious moment of the match as Al-Musrati, in his first start for the Principality club since joining from Besiktas, was shown a yellow for imitating the awarding of a yellow card.

“The sending-off decided the result” – Hütter

In the rules of the game, it is a sanctionable offence and so Al-Musrati was sanctioned, receiving a second yellow and a red card. “Yes, this is the rule, but he was not aggressive,”  argued Adi Hütter post-match. Monaco will also point to the irregularity or infrequency of the application of this rule. “The sending-off decided the result,” bemoaned the Monaco manager, with CEO Thiago Scuro also passing through the mixed zone post-match to bemoan another controversial refereeing performance.

With a return leg in Lisbon next week, attention turned to damage limitation Pavlidis almost doubled his account on the night but Majecki was equal to his close-range effort.

And whilst Benfica huffed, they struggled to work clear goal-scoring opportunities. Not only did they fail to add to their advantage, but they also lost key player Ángel Di María to injury late on; he is unlikely to play any part in the return leg.

But Monaco weren’t unscathed late on either. Both Denis Zakaria and Vanderson got late yellows and will play no part in Lisbon next Tuesday due to suspension. The worst was avoided as the game finished 1-0 to Benfica and (some) hope remains.

Monaco head to Portugal as underdogs

“We are disappointed but we will see what we can do in the return leg […] the challenge is more difficult but you have to trust and believe that anything can happen,” reacted Hütter.

The Monaco manager approached this two-legged tie against Benfica insisting that, by virtue of having already lost to the Portuguese side in the Champions League this season, his side were the “underdogs”. If that title didn’t suit Monaco before Wednesday evening, then it certainly does now as Hütter’s side look to keep their European adventure alive in Portugal next week.

 

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: AS Monaco