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Day: 1 April 2025

Monaco students take part in NASA’s virtual ‘Earth to Space’ festival

by: Stephanie Horsman
01/04/2025

In an inspiring fusion of science and education, nearly 70 schoolchildren from Monaco’s Institution François d’Assise-Nicolas Barré have been given the unique opportunity to connect with NASA as part of the Earth to Space: Arts Breaking the Sky festival. The virtual event at the end of March gave students a chance to learn about the latest space missions, as well as the diplomacy and cooperation needed to navigate negotiations in the final frontier.

Close to 70 pupils from Monaco’s own Institution François d’Assise-Nicolas Barré (FANB) were invited to take part in the Earth to Space: Arts Breaking the Sky event on 31st March via a special virtual session with NASA Education Specialist and Principal Outreach Coordinator Dorian Janney, who has spent the last three decades sharing her passion for science and space with young people.

During the session, the students explored NASA’s Earth observation missions, gaining insights into the role of space exploration in environmental preservation. The event also highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy and global collaboration in advancing scientific research.

The Earth to Space: Arts Breaking the Sky festival, based at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC, will run until 20th April. An unlikely mix of musicians, astronauts, researchers, filmmakers, space designers, environmentalists, engineers, dancers, visual artists and scientists have come together in honour of the event to highlight the marvels of the universe and to encourage collective action to protect our planet as well as outer space.

“Given that only a worldwide effort can protect space, including our own fragile little blue dot, Earth to Space brings together an international lineup of artistic and scientific luminaries, visionary projects and collaborations. Programming will appeal to all generations, with a special emphasis on young people, whose lives will be impacted by these developments the most,” say Alicia Adams, Vice President of International Programming, and Gilda Almeida, Director of International Programming, of the event.

Monaco’s involvement in the project was made possible through a collaborative effort between Monaco’s Ambassador to the United States and Canada, Maguy Maccarion Doyle, and the Department of National Education, Youth and Sports (DENJS). The partnership reflects a shared commitment to inspiring younger generations to gain scientific knowledge and a broader understanding of global challenges. By engaging with leading experts, students were encouraged to consider future careers in science and technology.

Read related:

Monaco strengthens climate action by joining space-based climate observatory

 

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Photo credit: Stéphane Danna / Monaco Communications Department

 

E1 Championship publishes first sustainability report, highlights progress and future plans

by: Cassandra Tanti
01/04/2025

The UIM E1 World Championship has released its first-ever sustainability report, detailing how the all-electric raceboat series is already making environmental and social impact after just one season.

In a clear statement of purpose and ambition, the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF has published its 2024 Sustainability Report. The world’s first electric raceboat series, which held its inaugural races in cities like Monaco, Venice and Jeddah, is aiming to redefine marine motorsport through climate-conscious innovation, ocean conservation and gender equality.

At the centre of E1’s environmental approach is its Blue Impact Programme, which delivers a suite of initiatives aimed at regenerating coastal ecosystems and promoting awareness of marine threats. The 2024 season saw tangible action, including a major harbour clean-up in Puerto Banús and the ‘Save Posidonia’ campaign by Team Rafa in the Balearic Islands. These efforts are part of E1’s broader mission to leave every race location better than it was found.

The report also outlines the Championship’s progress in limiting its carbon footprint. In 2024, E1 recorded 1,672 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions. By offsetting 92% of this total, the series achieved PAS 2060 certification for contributing to global carbon neutrality. A dedicated Marine Mammal Risk Mitigation Protocol was also put in place at each event to protect local marine life, including pre-race monitoring, adjusted course routes, and the use of spotters and response boats.

Social inclusion is a defining pillar of E1’s strategy. Every race team is required to field one male and one female pilot, a deliberate move to balance representation in a traditionally male-dominated sport. The E1 Pilot Academy also welcomed 40 participants from 14 countries, many of whom had no prior powerboat experience. Meanwhile, community programmes like the Acceleration Festival and partnerships with organisations such as the Cometa Foundation in Lake Como extended the series’ impact beyond the water.

Looking ahead, the report reveals plans to expand race locations in 2025 and deepen sustainability partnerships. With support from the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and governance from the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), E1 is positioning itself not only as a spectacle of speed and innovation, but as a platform for environmental action.

“This is just the outset of the journey in our race for the planet,” said E1 CEO Rodi Basso. “We’re buoyed by the opportunity to create real, lasting impact through this Championship.”

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: Spacesuit Media

 

Monaco’s Parent Spaces: thee months of helpful and supportive workshops for families

by: Stephanie Horsman
01/04/2025

Monaco’s Parent Spaces programme offers a place for parents and future parents to connect, share experiences and gain valuable insights from a range of experts. Over the next three months, the Early Childhood & Families Service will be running a variety of free sessions on essential topics such as child development, parenting techniques and family dynamics, providing practical tools and support to help raise happy, healthy children.

This month’s workshops focus on key parenting challenges, from how best to introduce food to children at different stages on 15th April to navigating the complexities of raising a three-year-old, often dubbed the “threenager” phase, on 22nd April. There will also be a thought-provoking discussion session on diverse parenting models, including same-sex parenting, adoption and single parenting, that will offer insights on supporting children through open conversations about personal family experiences on 29th April.

In May, the programme turns its focus to emotions, both for parents and children. A special discussion on postpartum experiences will help parents understand and navigate this transformative phase on 9th May. Another highlight of the month includes an interactive session where families can experience sensory discovery with their children, exploring the five senses in a fun and engaging way on 13th May. Parents can also pick up strategies to help children manage frustrations and emotional outbursts on 20th May, before learning practical solutions to improve bedtime routines and manage common sleep challenges in young children on 27th May.

June’s sessions tackle significant transitions and family dynamics. A discussion on parental separation will provide guidance on supporting children through family changes on 6th June. Another engaging workshop, led by a dietitian on 10th June, will focus on turning stressful mealtimes into moments of calm and connection. As summer approaches, parents can get advice on how best to prepare their children for school in September on 17th June. The month concludes on 27th June with a workshop dedicated to resolving conflicts between siblings.

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOPS

Beyond these discussion-based sessions, parents can participate in psychomotor skills workshops led by a specialist once a month. These sessions will take place on 22nd April, 15th May and 12th June, offering hands-on ways to support children’s physical development. Additionally, parent-child play workshops will be available every Wednesday morning until the end of June, providing a space for bonding through play.

For the complete list of events, including times and locations, click here.

 

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: Yan Krukau, Pexels