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Month: March 2025

Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation puts cryosphere science in the spotlight at World Day for Glaciers

by: Stephanie Horsman
24/03/2025

Scientists and policymakers came together on both sides of the Atlantic last week for the United Nations’ first-ever World Day for Glaciers, an initiative jointly hosted by the UNESCO headquarters in Paris and the UN’s central base in New York. The Polar Initiative Manager for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Salomé Mormentyn, attended the events in the French capital, where she spotlighted the crucial role of involving cryosphere scientists in international dialogue.

Ahead of World Water Day on 22nd March, an annual UN action designed to highlight the importance of freshwater and the issues linked to the sustainable management of resources, the UNESCO offices in Paris and the UN headquarters in New York organised two concurrent events for the first-ever World Day for Glaciers on 20th and 21st March.

Glaciers are increasingly under threat. These vast frozen rivers of ice and snow shape landscapes and serve as one of the major indicators of planetary health, functioning as essential freshwater reservoirs, regulators of sea levels and homes to diverse ecosystems. Indeed, mountainous areas, which include much of the world’s glacial zones, supply between 55 and 60% of global annual freshwater flows. In certain parts of the world, this share rises to 90%.

Rapid glacial retreat has been noted around the world, leading to rising concerns that the meltwater could endanger the water supplies of millions while elevating the risk associated with rising sea levels and natural disasters such as floods and landslides.

The goal of the events in New York and Paris was to provide a meeting place for key stakeholders as part of the first round of the UN’s Decade of Action for Cryospheric Science mobilisation efforts. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, a leading voice in discussions related to the health and future of the world’s cryosphere, sent a delegate to participate in the talks held in the French capital, which focused on ways to finance vital cryospheric research and the need to find additional methods of protecting the world’s frozen zones from climate change.

Polar Initiative Manager for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Salomé Mormentyn, pictured second from right with other delegates at the Paris event. Photo source: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation 

In a statement released following the Paris event, a spokesperson for the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation stated, “The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation contributed to discussions on bridging the financing gap for cryosphere science. Our Polar Initiative Manager, Salomé Mormentyn, emphasised the importance of fostering international collaboration and multi-stakeholder dialogue, ensuring that scientists, policymakers, the private sector and funders work together to turn cryosphere science into real-world solutions.”

In New York, a series of similar high-level discussions took place, featuring UN leaders, government officials and climate experts from around the world. These discussions included scientific presentations featuring the latest research on glacier preservation, policy dialogues exploring international cooperation on water security and the official launch of the UN World Water Development Report 2025, which has been themed High Mountains and Glaciers.

To read the UN World Water Development Report 2025, click here.

 

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Photo source: Pixabay

Monaco Women Forum: The future of space exploration under the microscope

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
24/03/2025

The 2025 edition of the Monaco Women’s Forum invited leading voices from the worlds of space science and technology to the Principality for a series of insightful talks on the future of space exploration, from issues linked to satellites and sustainability to the missions to Mars. 

On 21st March, Le Méridien Beach Plaza hosted the eighth edition of the Monaco Women’s Forum, an annual event held under the High Patronage of Princess Charlene of Monaco. The gathering brought together space pioneers and leading experts from around the world, including figures from the European Space Agency and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, for talks that delved into the realities and potential of space exploration through the lens of technology, climate change, cybersecurity, innovation and global cooperation.

“This year’s event demonstrated the growing importance of women in the space and technology sector, and laid the foundations for an essential debate on the responsible governance of space,” said Cinzia Sgambati-Colman, the founder and president of the Monaco Women’s Forum.

Among the highlights of the event, which Monaco Life attended as an audience member, was a session led by Sabrina Andiappane of Clear Space, who addressed the environmental impact of satellites after they re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere at the end of their lifespan.

“When satellites enter the atmosphere, they disintegrate, releasing toxic gases that contribute to climate change,” explained Andiappane. “Since they are not recovered, they also have a significant impact on marine life.”

She noted the acceleration of the issue as demand for the launch of satellites is growing at an ever-increasing rate – as is the need for a solution to this problem. During her talk, Andiappane introduced a number of potential solutions, from extending satellite lifespans to developing safer methods for the deorbiting process.

The role of AI in space exploration was another popular topic at the Monaco Women’s Forum, with Dr. Marco Rocchetto from Spaceflux noting, “AI is used every day in space to analyse vast amounts of data and transform them into simple outcomes that we can understand as humans. If we had to process manually all the information that satellites generate, we would not go very far.”

Machine learning and AI technologies, he explained, allow researchers to quickly gain insights needed for disaster recovery, climate change monitoring, weather predictions and numerous other applications.

The Journey to Mars

Perhaps the most intriguing segment of the forum came when Federica Vagnone, an engineering delivery manager at Thales Alenia Space, detailed the challenges involved in getting humans to Mars.

The current vision, Vagnone explained to Monaco Life, focuses on establishing a lunar base as a stepping stone for further exploration.

“The shortest trip to Mars requires six to nine months, and the launch window only opens every 26 months,” she noted. “The survival of the crew with respect to radiation exposure remains our biggest concern. Investment in better technology is essential, as crew safety forms the basis of human exploration.”

She also highlighted how significantly more advanced technology will be needed before any Mars mission can be launched.

“The motto of the International Space Station is ‘of the Earth, for the Earth’ – we are not just conducting research to see how things work in space, but also trying to understand how we can apply these discoveries to our everyday lives,” she concluded.

As the Monaco Women’s Forum 2025 demonstrated, the future of space exploration lies in the hands of innovative minds, collaborative efforts and a commitment to sustainable and responsible advancements that will shape the cosmos for generations to come.

Read related:

Monaco Women Forum 2025 takes on the final frontier with The New Space Race event

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 by Monaco Life

 

Photos: Princess Charlene leads the charge for safer, cleaner streets at Road Safety Day

by: Niki Borisova
24/03/2025
Road Safety Day Princess Charlene

Princess Charlene of Monaco stepped up to promote the benefits of bike riding at her foundation’s inaugural Road Safety Day in Larvotto over the weekend, hopping on a bicycle to show off her own skills and provide a source of encouragement to the many children and their families who turned out to take part. Prince Albert II of Monaco also attended in a show of support for the new initiative.

On Sunday 23rd March, the sun came out for the Road Safety Day event, which had been organised by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation with the support of the Mairie de Monaco.

Held on the promenade above Larvotto Beach, the event combined sport, education and family-friendly activities with the aim of encouraging safe and sustainable mobility, and Princess Charlene and Prince Albert were among the many local figures who showed up to demonstrate their support for the initiative. They were joined by representatives from the Monaco Red Cross, the Monaco Fire Brigade and Police Force, BEKING, Monabike and the Prince’s Carabinieri Company, as well as many local volunteers and athletes.

A local boy tests out his skills on the pumptrack. Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco

The programme featured a variety of free activities, including a pumptrack for skill-building and a road safety circuit designed to help young cyclists develop good habits and reflexes on the road. A key feature was the Monabike Challenge, which saw six teams—comprising public figures and representatives from Monegasque institutions—take part in an eight-hour cycling relay through the streets of Monaco.

Officers Yannick Di Peri and Julien Pradas from Monaco’s Municipal Police,both members of the Urban Cycling Brigade, took on the challenge with the goal of reinforcing public respect for the highway code. Their efforts earned them second place on the podium.

One local mother, who attended the event with her young son, told Monaco Life, “I brought my son here today so he could learn how to ride safely and understand the importance of sharing the road. It’s such a great way to teach kids while having fun.”

Developing awareness of how to cycle safely on the road may have been the central objective of the event, but there was plenty of fun to be had while learning and one of the most popular attractions among the younger visitors was a bike that powered a blender. With each turn of the pedals, those in the seat got closer to transforming fresh fruit into a smoothie they could enjoy at the end.

The smoothie bike was a popular attraction among the young participants. Photo credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco

The event concluded on a high note, with organisers hopeful that Road Safety Day will become a regular fixture on Monaco’s calendar.

To see more photographs from the event, click on the images below:

Check out Monaco Life’s Road Safety Day reel 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.

Photos credit: Michaël Alesi / Palais Princier de Monaco

Monaco Economic Board charts bold course for 2025 with trips to the Middle East, Africa and Asia

by: Stephanie Horsman
24/03/2025

The Monaco Economic Board has a big year coming up, with numerous overseas visits planned to the Middle East, China, Japan and Africa. Each will offer the organisation and its members opportunities to explore new partnership ventures, with a highlight being the upcoming Osaka World Expo.

At its well-attended General Assembly at the Yacht Club de Monaco on 19th March, the Monaco Economic Board (MEB) took stock of its successes in 2024 before presenting the organisation’s exciting plans for the year to come.

President Michel Dotta opened the meeting with an inspiring speech that compared the Principality’s stability and strengths to the value of gold.

“Like gold, the ultimate safe-haven asset at present, I want to believe that Monaco serves as a ‘safe-haven destination’ for individuals and companies who cherish prosperity, creativity, and serenity,” he declared.

After a particularly dynamic 2024, which saw the MEB undertake numerous overseas visits to destinations such as Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Poland, the UK and China, international engagement remains a priority for 2025. Over the coming months, the organisation will send delegations to Budapest, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Kenya and Shanghai.

Japan, however, will be the leading focus. Between 26th June and 3rd July, the MEB will participate alongside Monaco’s Embassy in Japan at the Osaka World Expo. The Monaco Pavilion’s theme, Take Care of Wonder, aims to raise awareness of environmental protection. During this trip, the MEB will also visit Kyoto and Tokyo.

See more: Countdown on to Monaco’s ‘Take Care of Wonder’ pavilion at Osaka Expo

Domestically, a series of high-profile conferences will cover topics such as macroeconomics, philanthropy, and export strategies, supported by major financial institutions and business partners, including Banque Populaire Méditerranée, BNP Paribas Wealth Management, Gramaglia, Jutheau Husson, Monaco Asset Management, CFM Indosuez Wealth Management, Monterra Wealth Management and the Order of Chartered Accountants of Monaco.

Read more: MEB sets sights on Japan ahead of 2025 World Expo in Osaka

During the General Assembly, Executive Director General Guillaume Rose and Deputy Director General Justin Highman presented the annual report for 2024, highlighting over 50 local operations, including visits from seven foreign delegations and the MEB’s international excursions, as well as the MEB’s Invest Monaco initiative, in collaboration with the Monaco Attractiveness Unit, which participated in global events such as Monaco House at the Davos Forum.

Rose also noted that membership within the MEB has surged nearly 20% since 2019, growing to represent 638 companies by the end of 2024, including 49 in the new Premium category.

The event concluded with the 52nd Members’ Meeting, which drew participation from more than 370 decision-makers and entrepreneurs in the Principality.

Read related:

Monaco welcomes delegation from Japan ahead of strategic summer mission and Osaka World Expo

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.  

Pictured: Guillaume Rose, Executive Director General of the MEB; Franck Julien, President of the Finance and National Economy Commission of the National Council; Manuela Ruosi, Ambassador of Italy to Monaco; Jean d’Haussonville, Ambassador of France to Monaco; Pierre-André Chiappori, Minister of Finance and Economy; Michel Dotta, President of the MEB; Justin Highman, Deputy Director General of the MEB; Martin Peronnet, Secretary General of the MEB. Photo credit: P.H. Sébastien Darrasse / MEB

Monaco’s Special Olympics athletes win 12 medals at World Winter Games in Turin

by: Stephanie Horsman
24/03/2025

Proudly flying the red and white colours of the Principality, 11 Special Olympics athletes from Monaco travelled to the 2025 World Winter Games in Turin earlier this month, where they earned an incredible 12 medals, including two golds, across a variety of disciplines.

The 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, held from 8th to 15th March in and around Turin, a city in northern Italy’s Piedmont region, was an unforgettable experience for the 11 dedicated athletes from Monaco who competed in the 12th edition of the Games.

Competing in disciplines such as the Giant Slalom, Super-G, cross-country skiing and snowshoe racing, the team of both men and women racked up an impressive 12 medals: two gold, five silver and five bronze.

Among those who competed were Robin Leteuil, Albane Lepoivre, Diego Bolatti and Rabab Bechti (pictured above), who clinched gold in the M2 4x100m relay. Leteuil also claimed the delegation’s second gold in the men’s 100m snowshoe race.

Elsa Clément, Thomas Desperies, Miya Franzi and Denis Lupo represented the Principality in various alpine skiing events, while Eric Bruno, Stéphane Kelkal and Rodolphe Rodnay showcased their skill and passion in cross-country skiing. The athletes were accompanied by an equally devoted team of coaches and supporters, including Saverio Cuneo, Catherine Lapelegerie, Marco Muratori, Emilie Rousseau, Eric Waterson and Pierre Van Klaveren, the latter of whom is President of Special Olympics Monaco.

Ahead of the Games, the Monegasque Olympic Committee paid tribute to the competing athletes at a special event held at its headquarters in early March. Yvette Lambin Berti, Secretary General of the Monegasque Olympic Committee, presented each athlete with a High-Level Special Athlete Certificate in recognition of not only their sporting prowess but also their unwavering commitment, determination, solidarity and camaraderie.

Read related:

Monaco officially crowned 2025 World Capital of Sport at palace ceremony

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: Special Olympics Monaco 

EU defence initiative rebranded as ‘Readiness 2030’ after backlash from Italy and Spain

by: Cassandra Tanti
24/03/2025

The European Commission has announced the rebranding of its multi-billion euro defence initiative from ‘Rearm Europe’ to ‘Readiness 2030’ responding to concerns raised by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.​

The original title, ‘Rearm Europe’, was deemed overly militaristic by both leaders, who feared it might alienate citizens. Prime Minister Meloni said there needed to be a broader approach, stating that strengthening defence capabilities involves more than just purchasing armaments; it encompasses operability, essential services, energy infrastructures, and supply chains. ​

Similarly, Prime Minister Sánchez said he was uncomfortable with the term, advocating for a more comprehensive definition of defence that includes areas like cybersecurity, anti-terrorism, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and satellite communications. He said that the challenges faced by southern Europe differ from those in the East. 

In response, the European Commission’s chief spokesperson, Paula Pinho, acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding the original name and confirmed the shift to ‘Readiness 2030’. She explained that the new title encapsulates a broader scope while maintaining the initiative’s original objectives

The ‘Readiness 2030’ plan aims to enhance defence capabilities and production across the European Union by 2030. It includes a specific programme, now called SAFE, designed to raise and distribute €150 billion in low-interest loans to facilitate the acquisition of advanced weapons and ammunition. Additionally, the Commission has proposed targeted relaxation of fiscal rules to mobilise up to €650 billion, bringing the total potential investment to €800 billion.

The financial implications of Readiness 2030

While the strategic shift behind Readiness 2030 is being presented as necessary in light of current global threats, the financial implications for everyday Europeans are expected to be significant. Experts have warned that injecting such a vast amount of money into defence could increase national debt levels and put upward pressure on inflation. Klaas Knot, President of the Dutch Central Bank, noted that although enhanced defence spending may be justified, it complicates inflation forecasting and could contribute to a rise in the cost of living across the bloc. As governments take on more debt to fund this initiative, the economic ripple effects may soon be felt by households across Europe.

There are also concerns that the reallocation of national budgets towards defence may come at the expense of vital public services. For decades, Europe benefited from a post-Cold War “peace dividend” that allowed governments to prioritise social programmes over military spending. With the renewed focus on security, however, that balance may begin to shift. A sustained increase in defence investment could mean fewer resources for healthcare, education, and welfare—sectors many citizens rely on daily.

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: President Ursula von der Leyen at the European Council summit, source: European Commission