The Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation is set to host its first Road Safety Day later this month, an event promoting bicycle safety and core skills, in collaboration with partners such as the Monaco Red Cross, the Monaco Fire Department, BEKING and Monabike.
On Sunday 23rd March, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation will hold its inaugural Road Safety Day on the Promenade du Larvotto. The event, running from 10am to 5pm, will focus on bicycle road safety and encourage young people to engage in sports of all kinds through interactive workshops and educational experiences.
It will feature a road safety circuit designed to help participants practise and improve their cycling skills in a secure setting, road safety information stands, a pump track and a fun smoothie bike experience, where cyclists must harness their pedal power to turn a blender and create a juice.
A key highlight of the day will be the Bike Challenge. Reserved for six pre-formed teams comprising local sporting personalities and representatives from Monaco institutions, the challenge will see participants ride through Monaco for eight hours. The distance covered will be recorded, promoting both sustainable mobility and road safety in a competitive yet friendly setting. Visitors will also have a chance to test their own abilities in the Monabike Challenge.
Since its establishment in 2012, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation has focused on drowning prevention programmes and promoting education through sports. Initiatives such as Learn to Swim and Water Safety aim to instill values of solidarity, respect and discipline among young people. The upcoming Road Safety Day is aligned with this mission, combining physical activity with awareness campaigns to enhance public understanding of road safety issues.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own bicycles and helmets to take part in the various activities. For more information, click here.
Under the esteemed High Patronage of Princess Charlene, the Monaco Women Forum is back with a groundbreaking edition entitled The New Space Race. Taking place on 21st March at the Méridien Beach Plaza, this event promises an intriguing deep dive into the future of space exploration, innovation and governance.
As humanity’s interests venture further into the cosmos, the Monaco Women Forum will host a series of dynamic panel discussions, featuring renowned experts who will explore the latest advancements beyond Earth and revolutionary satellite technologies.
The event will also examine the vital role these innovations play in tackling pressing environmental and climate challenges, while shedding light on how artificial intelligence is reshaping modern space missions.
Beyond technological breakthroughs, the forum will also confront key global concerns such as cybersecurity and the need for robust legal and ethical frameworks to ensure the responsible and sustainable governance of outer space.
These critical issues will be at the heart of engaging discussions led by an elite group of speakers, including Francesca Cipollini from the European Space Agency, Sandrine Mathieu from ACRI-ST, Sabrina Andiappane from ClearSpace, Marco Rocchetto from Spaceflux, Johanna Sepulveda of Airbus Defense & Space, Nia Asmady from Pasifik Satelit Nusantara, Federica Vagnone of Thales Alenia Space, Bianca Lins from the Principality of Liechtenstein’s Office for Communications, Rosanna Hoffmann of the UNOOSA, Domitilla Benigni from ELT Group, and Alessandra Guidi, Deputy Director of the Italian Department of Security Intelligence.
Founded in 2012 by journalist and entrepreneur Cinzia Sgambati-Colman, the Monaco Women Forum has established itself as a premier platform for promoting critical conversations at the intersection of finance, science and technology.
For those eager to be part of this exciting event, The New Space Race will take place on 21st March from 2pm to 6pm at 22 Avenue Princesse Grace. Registration is now open, and tickets can be purchased here. For further information, interested parties can contact the Press Office of the Monaco Women Forum at monacowomenforum@monaco.mc.
Over the past year, regional health agencies across France have been testing tap water for 20 types of PFAS – a group of toxic, persistent substances often referred to as forever chemicals. Though parts of the country remain well below the European regulatory limit of 0.1 µg/L, certain areas of southern France have returned results dangerously above this marker.
PFAS, a group of over 3,000 chemicals used in non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, and firefighting foams, are persistent pollutants that accumulate in the environment and pose serious health risks to humans, including increased cholesterol, cancers and fertility issues, as well as harm to all other life forms on our planet.
In 2024, regional health agencies across France began testing drinking water for PFAS, but the process has been slow, with only 967 of the nation’s 23,209 drinking water networks having conducted tests as of 31st January 2025. In fact, there is a gross lack of PFAS analysis from more than 50 French departments, highlighting a significant gap in monitoring and compliance with legislation designed to protect the public from the threats associated with exposure to PFAS.
Thus far, testing has primarily been conducted where contamination is suspected, with action plans then implemented if safety limits are exceeded. It should be noted that exceeding the standard does not result in an immediate restriction of water distribution, only the necessity of remedial measures.
Local and regional hotspots
According to data collated by the Ministry of Solidarities and Health, the average level of PFAS in French tap water last year was 0.014 µg/L. While well below the 0.1 µg/L limit, more than a dozen local networks analysed in 2024 exceeded this threshold.
The town of Fos-sur-Mer, a petrochemical hub near the Marseille area, recorded the highest levels of PFAS in tap water in the country: a thoroughly concerning 0.684 µg/L. A neighbourhood near Narbonne, meanwhile, reported a level of 0.131 µg/L. Two Montpellier districts recorded similarly high levels.
Other parts of France also showed significant PFAS contamination. Haut-Rhin, where contamination was linked to firefighting drills at Basel-Mulhouse Airport, had an average level of 0.285 µg/L, well above the standard, although only 11 of 366 municipalities were tested. Hérault and Aude also reported high levels. The region of Occitanie was another outlier, recording a concerning 0.136 µg/L, although only five of 1,130 municipalities underwent testing.
Conversely, Alpes-Maritimes and Var remained within compliant levels, averaging 0.007 µg/L and 0.014 µg/L, respectively. At a regional level, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur maintained compliance at 0.006 µg/L, with 553 of 989 municipalities tested.
Studies suggest that even PFAS levels below European regulatory limits could be hazardous. Past regulatory thresholds have been lowered as new research has emerged, raising concerns that current limits remain too high. Unlike in the US, where media coverage and films like Dark Waters have exposed the dangers of PFAS, public awareness in France remains low.
For the full report, as well as a tool to check the state of the water in individual towns, click here.
The world’s oceans are in trouble. From stifling levels of pollution to habitat devastation and overfishing, the situation is critical, and immediate action is needed if we are to safeguard the future of the oceans and the health of the planet as a whole. In a bold call to action, Prince Albert II of Monaco has taken to social media to invite world leaders, NGOs, the private sector and citizens from around the globe to join in with the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in Monaco this June.
Ahead of the UN Ocean Conference in Nice in June, Monaco will co-host the Blue Economy and Finance Forum in collaboration with France and Costa Rica. The event, set to be held on 7th and 8th June at the Grimaldi Forum, will focus on key industries that intersect with ocean sustainability, including maritime transport, fishing and aquaculture, renewable marine energy, sustainable tourism and marine conservation.
With the global ocean crisis at the forefront, the event will gather key stakeholders to drive urgent action for the sustainable use and protection of ocean resources. It promises to be a pivotal gathering for those committed to shaping a more sustainable future for our planet, with the overarching goal of mobilising the investments, both public and private, needed to build a sustainable blue economy.
On 10th March, Prince Albert II, a staunch ocean conservationist as well as Monaco’s Sovereign Prince, appeared in a video shared by the organisers of the Blue Economy and Finance Forum on YouTube, in which he issued a call to action for everyone, from world leaders to everyday citizens, to take part in the upcoming event.
“We now understand how central the ocean is to our future,” proclaimed the Prince. “Whether we speak about climate, biodiversity or health, or whether we address food, trade or energy, every time we look to the future, our focus inevitably shifts to the ocean. Despite this, we are still struggling to create a world capable of respecting these vast expanses of water and their ecosystems, preserving their delicate balance and safeguarding their wealth. However, we must act now, without delay, to prepare this world through global governance regulations, which will be the focus of the UN Ocean Conference from 9th to 13th June.”
He continued, “True to its traditions, values, and ambitions, the Principality of Monaco has decided to take action for this by organising, with the support of Costa Rica and France, the organisers of the UN Ocean Conference, a dedicated event to advance this goal: the Blue Economy and Finance Forum… But this event will be more than a forum. It will provide a unique opportunity to bring together decision-makers, finance professionals, philanthropists, NGOs and players from the private sector to turn ambition into action. Together, we will drive the investments needed for a sustainable blue economy, both public and private, and lay the foundations for a future that unites human progress with planetary conservation.”
The ocean’s ecosystem services are estimated to be worth nearly €27.5 trillion annually, yet current investment levels fall drastically short of what is needed. To meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), funding must increase sevenfold, reaching €160 billion per year. Stakeholders from all sectors and backgrounds have a critical role to play in ensuring these financial commitments are met and that real change is implemented, and Prince Albert is keen to involve all voices in the talks at the Blue Economy and Finance Forum.
“We must develop an economic model commensurate with these evolving requirements,” noted the Prince. “In order to achieve this, we will address key sectors: maritime transport, fishing and aquaculture, renewable marine energies, sustainable tourism, and conservation of the marine environment. We will make the ocean’s immense value tangible, with its ecosystem services representing close to $30 trillion annually. We will explore how to mobilise $175 billion every year to meet the Sustainable Development Goals. Faced with such a challenge, businesses have a pivotal role to play. Governments must provide the impetus, and every stakeholder can be a vital force for change. That is why we must move forward all together.”
The Prince concluded, “That is why I invite you to join us in Monaco on 7th and 8th June to share your vision, discover innovative solutions and be part of the movement shaping the future of the blue economy, the ocean, and our planet.”
For more information about the Forum and how to be a part of this landmark event, click here.
To watch Prince Albert’s speech in full, see below:
In an exclusive interview with Monaco Life, Christian Buhlmann, the chairman of TrustConsult Group, shares his journey of building an independent, global advisory firm and how his company tackles modern security challenges for high-net-worth clients.
In an era where security and asset protection are increasingly under threat, particularly for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), ensuring financial stability across jurisdictions has become a critical concern. Monaco Life sat down with Christian Buhlmann, the chairman of TrustConsult Group, to learn more about the evolution of his company, the values that guide its global operations and its upcoming Global Threats on You and Your Assets security conference at the Fairmont Monte Carlo on 20th March.
Entrepreneurial journey
Christian Buhlmann, who has lived in Monaco for six years, founded TrustConsult Group in 2002 from his home in the Luxembourg countryside. His background includes an education in economics from HEC in Belgium, accounting qualifications in Luxembourg and further finance studies in Brussels. However, it was his early professional experience that shaped his entrepreneurial vision.
“I started my career 25 years ago at Intertrust in Luxembourg. That’s where I gained a strong foundation in the business and where I first saw the gaps in service quality that later inspired me to start my venture,” says Buhlmann.
The launch of TrustConsult was a pivotal moment, coinciding with the birth of his daughter.
“Starting the company was both a personal and professional milestone. It gave me clarity about the values I wanted to uphold, like independence and direct client engagement,” he explains.
Maintaining a personal, family-oriented approach remains important to Buhlmann.
“It’s always been an ambition of mine to create something lasting that my children could one day be a part of,” he says. “That’s why I’ve kept the business personal and close to its roots.”
Despite approaches from competitors over the years, TrustConsult has fiercely protected its independence.
“There were moments when competitors wanted to buy us out, but we knew that would compromise our values. Our independence is non-negotiable—it’s what defines our relationship with clients and our integrity as a company,” Buhlmann tells Monaco Life.
This independence shapes Buhlmann’s approach, with a focus on hiring people who value responsiveness and internationality.
“Being available and able to communicate across jurisdictions is fundamental to how I operate,” he says.
A discreet and personalised approach
With offices in Monaco, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Belgium and Hong Kong, TrustConsult Group specialises in creating, managing and administering both regulated and unregulated entities for private and institutional clients.
The TrustConsult Group office in Geneva. Photo supplied
“Our mission is simple: to protect and grow the wealth of our clients while offering them a level of service that’s personal, discreet, and efficient,” says Buhlmann of the company’s philosophy of strategic advisory over volume, where building genuine relationships takes precedence. “Our clients know who they’re speaking to and trust that we understand their needs.”
As the landscape of wealth management evolves, so do the risks. According to Buhlmann, personal security has now overtaken tax as one of the most pressing concerns for wealthy clients.
“The increased transparency in financial dealings has made individuals more vulnerable to sophisticated threats,” he warns.
He recalls an example from his own experience that reflects the importance of providing honest and upfront advice, saying, “I once had a client question how we could safeguard their assets, and I had to be direct about the risks they were facing. Sometimes, that level of honesty is necessary, even if it’s uncomfortable.”
It is this evolving threat landscape that has shaped the theme of TrustConsult’s upcoming conference on 20th March at the Fairmont Monte Carlo: Global Threats on You and Your Assets.
“People often underestimate the seriousness of these risks. Corporate threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, as seen in the recent blackmail case involving Patek Philippe in Switzerland and crypto ransoms. It’s a clear example of how complex and dangerous these situations can be,” he explains.
Buhlmann also spotlights the importance of location when it comes to security and asset protection, pointing to Monaco’s appeal for investors.
“Monaco offers a great quality of life and a strong value proposition for investors with its security, stability and favourable taxation,” he notes.
However, he does acknowledge that there is room for growth: “There’s potential for Monaco’s financial services sector to further align with the responsiveness and expertise seen in hubs like Switzerland and Luxembourg.”
International clients, he says, expect consistent service standards across all jurisdictions.
The keys to lasting success
For Buhlmann, success is about long-term adaptability.
“It’s not about one milestone but continually reinventing to stay relevant,” he tells Monaco Life. “That’s what we’re doing with this upcoming conference—challenging ourselves and our understanding of security risks.”
TrustConsult’s small, long-standing board reflects this adaptability, enabling swift decisions.
“Agility is key. If something needs to be done, we can act overnight. Our clients expect us to move quickly and decisively,” says Buhlmann.
In a world that is becoming increasingly transparent, discretion is vital to TrustConsult’s operations.
“We maintain a minimal online presence and avoid cloud storage like iCloud, preferring old-fashioned methods to protect sensitive data,” he explains.
He also believes that lasting success comes from consistent effort and the ability to adapt.
“There’s a lot of talk today about how easy it is to make money with AI or social media, but I don’t believe in shortcuts. Success that lasts is always the result of hard work and constant evolution,” he says wisely.
Beyond business, Buhlmann sees personal success as finding satisfaction in the journey: “For me, success is about enjoying the process, facing challenges, and continuing to learn.”
Looking ahead
Among Buhlmann’s plans for the future is an expansion of TrustConsult’s services with the launch of TrustConsult Advisory in Switzerland, focusing on providing independent, tailored investment advice, a new development he shares exclusively with Monaco Life.
“Many of our clients aren’t receiving the advisory services they need, so we’re stepping in to offer solutions that go beyond what banks provide,” he says.
The expansion aligns with the themes of TrustConsult’s upcoming conference.
“We’ll begin by examining global security threats, then explore how individuals can protect their assets and personal safety. The third segment will cover structuring and holding assets, while the final part will focus on succession planning and involving the next generation,” explains Buhlmann.
For him, the conference is about more than business.
“Of course, we hope to generate new clients, but it’s also about raising awareness. People need to understand the risks they face and how to protect themselves. We want to contribute something meaningful and impactful,” he concludes.
A delegation from the Macao Special Administrative Region (China) spent two days in Monaco on 8th and 9th March, meeting with officials and business leaders to explore new opportunities for collaboration.
Led by Tai Kin Ip, Macao’s Secretary for Economy and Finance, the delegation included senior government figures such as the heads of economic development, tourism, and academic research. They were joined by business leaders from Macao’s high-tech, artificial intelligence, and telecommunications sectors. Also in attendance was Buddy Lam, Director of General Affairs for the Galaxy Entertainment Group, a key partner of Monaco’s Société des Bains de Mer in the Asia-Pacific region since 2017.
A dinner hosted by Monaco’s Ambassador to China, Marie-Pascale Boisson, provided a relaxed setting for discussions between the delegation and representatives from Monaco’s finance, economy, tourism, and business sectors, including the Monaco Economic Board. Local entrepreneurs in tech and innovation also had the chance to connect with their Macao counterparts.
At the end of the visit, Tai Kin Ip described the meetings as a promising first step towards strengthening the relationship between Monaco and Macao, with both sides keen to build on their existing ties.
