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Day: 30 June 2025

Monaco emerges as one of the world’s most generous donors per capita, says OECD

by: Cassandra Tanti
30/06/2025

Monaco has been named one of the world’s most committed nations to global solidarity, with the OECD revealing the Principality’s powerful per-capita contribution to international aid.

Published ahead of the high-level FFD4 summit on financing for development in Seville, the OECD donor profile for 2025 shows Monaco spent an average of €637 per resident annually on Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 2022 to 2024—a figure that puts it at the top tier of international donors per capita.

For the first time, Monaco notified its aid contributions to the OECD in 2023, officially stepping into the global spotlight as a serious player in development cooperation.

The figures also show that, in contrast to widespread cuts in solidarity budgets across the world, Monaco is ramping up its efforts. Since 2012, its ODA budget has only gone in one direction: up.

Monaco’s development strategy is tightly aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, with a strong focus on tackling poverty, reducing inequality, and supporting the world’s Least Developed Countries.

It also invests heavily in environmental causes, particularly climate change. In fact, Monaco is the leading donor per capita to the Green Climate Fund, the UN’s flagship financing vehicle for climate action in developing nations.

With its reputation for wealth and elegance, Monaco is now proving it can also lead with compassion and global purpose. You can read the full OECD profile here.

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Main photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

Behind the boom: What fuelled Monaco’s job market surge in 2024

by: Cassandra Tanti
30/06/2025

More than 3,000 jobs were created in Monaco in 2024 – a remarkable figure for a territory smaller than London’s Hyde Park. But what’s really behind this burst of economic energy?

According to the newly released ‘Monaco in Figures 2025’ report by IMSEE, the Principality ended the year with a record 78,364 active jobs – up 4.8% on 2023. It’s an impressive figure that reveals not only the scale of local employment growth, but also the driving forces reshaping Monaco’s economy.

Building up and branching out

One major player in the job boom? Construction. With cranes continuing to punctuate the skyline, this sector remains one of Monaco’s largest employers. Dozens of developments – from residential blocks to major infrastructure upgrades – kept builders, planners and engineers in high demand throughout the year.

But construction wasn’t alone. Scientific and technical activities – a broad category that includes legal, consultancy, and engineering services – saw one of the strongest upticks in employment, growing by 6.3%. This reflects Monaco’s growing reputation as a magnet for high-level professionals in finance, tech and innovation.

The rise of the solo economy

While salaried employees still make up the bulk of the workforce – 65,680 in total – the number of self-employed workers continues to climb, reaching 6,092 by the end of 2024. From wellness consultants to interior designers, Monaco’s independent professionals are helping shape a more diverse and flexible local economy.

These trends point to a shift not only in how people work, but in what Monaco’s economy is becoming: a place where luxury and tradition coexist with innovation and entrepreneurship.

A small territory with a mighty workforce

In a place with fewer than 40,000 residents, the creation of more than 3,000 new jobs in just one year is striking. It suggests strong investor confidence, an expanding service sector, and a government policy environment that continues to attract both businesses and skilled workers.

This job surge also reflects the Principality’s resilience – a key trait in uncertain economic times. With its strategic blend of long-term planning and business-friendly reforms, Monaco is not just weathering global headwinds. It’s thriving.

See also: 

2024 in Monaco: fewer cars, more jobs, and the quiet economic evolution

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Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life

Princess Grace Hospital Centre unveils five-year strategic plan

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
30/06/2025

The Princess Grace Hospital Centre (CHPG) has unveiled its ambitious plan for the next five years promising to transform healthcare delivery in Monaco.

The ‘Project d’Etablissement 2025-2030’ was presented on Friday 27th June, bringing together Health Minister Christophe Robino, Medical Commission President Dr Mathieu Liberatore, and Head of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department Dr Valérie Bernard alongside healthcare teams and partners.

The four pillar transformation

The comprehensive plan is built around four key ambitions that will guide CHPG’S development through 2030.

‘Acting to improve population health’ is the first pillar, addressing demographic challenges, particularly the ageing population. Dr Mathieu Liberatore noted that the second building at Cap Fleury is scheduled to open in 2028, and that 17 beds for SMR (soins de médecine et de réadaptation – medical care and rehabilitation) have recently been opened at the Résidence Inquiétudeine.

‘Innovation and pursuing excellence in care’ forms the second pillar. Dr Valérie Bernard described this ambition: “If I had to summarise CHPG’s DNA in one word, I would choose excellence without hesitation, but not static excellence. A living, human excellence in movement, driven by innovation, nourished by pathways, anchored in the reality of each patient.”

She outlined three structural lines of force: developing personalised and pathway medicine, integrating diagnostic and therapeutic innovation, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and professional cooperation with a global vision and the patient pathway.

“The opening of the first phase of the new building offers us a historic opportunity to modernise our working tools and above all to make it a lever to transform our way of caring.” Bernard explained.

The New Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace, photo by Monaco Life

‘Distinguishing ourselves through quality of experience for our patients and professionals’ represents the third ambition. More than 100 professionals contributed to this project.

Dr Bernard highlighted the collaborative approach: “We wanted to cross perspectives, hear experiences, welcome aspirations, because it is together that we make the hospital of today and tomorrow. Patient experience collection has been a precious guide for us, as much as feedback from teams in the field.”

‘Affirming our societal and environmental commitment’ completes the strategic framework. Since 2010, CHPG has been engaged in a ‘green hospital’ approach. Dr Bernard noted that whilst the new building demonstrates structural commitment, “beyond the tool, it’s a cultural change that must be engaged” involving eco-responsibility and patient involvement.

Dr Bernard concluded: “May our path be demanding without being austere, bold without being risky, and always carried by the joy of working together. Because this is CHPG, we also care about taking care of you.

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Main photo credit: Monaco Life

 

Leclerc earns hard-fought podium in Austria as McLaren dominate race day

by: Cassandra Tanti
30/06/2025

Charles Leclerc kept Ferrari’s momentum alive at the Austrian Grand Prix on Sunday 30th June, securing a solid third-place finish amid searing heat and a chaotic early start that reshuffled the grid at Spielberg’s Red Bull Ring.

Leclerc, who qualified second, lost out to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri off the line and remained in third for the remainder of the 71-lap contest. Still, the Monegasque star drove a composed and confident race to claim his fourth podium of the season and edge Ferrari back into second in the Constructors’ Championship standings.

A dramatic start to a high-stakes race

The action began before the lights even went out. Carlos Sainz was unable to get off the grid for the formation lap, forcing a 15-minute delay. When the race finally got underway, a collision between Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli and World Champion Max Verstappen brought out the Safety Car and ended both drivers’ races immediately.

That opening chaos handed the advantage to the McLaren pair, with Lando Norris converting pole position into the lead, and Oscar Piastri sweeping past Leclerc for second. From there, the top three settled into a rhythm, with strategy and tyre management becoming key as track temperatures soared.

“We don’t have any regrets today,” said Leclerc post-race. “We gave it everything and extracted the maximum from our race. I pushed a lot on the first stint and had quite a bit of degradation, but that’s part of the game. We will continue to work hard to make more progress with the aim of getting back onto the top step of the podium.”

Podium sealed as Ferrari close in

Leclerc and teammate Lewis Hamilton, who finished fourth, ran near-identical strategies: starting on Mediums, switching to Hards, and finishing on a second set of Mediums. The upgraded Ferrari package allowed the pair to comfortably hold off challengers from behind, though they couldn’t match the pace of the leading McLarens.

Deputising for Team Principal Fred Vasseur, who was absent for personal reasons, Jérôme d’Ambrosio praised the team’s composure under pressure.

“We can be happy with this result. For a while now, Fred’s been saying we just need to put everything together and have a clean weekend—and that’s what we did,” said d’Ambrosio. “The gap to McLaren is still big, especially during the race, but we’ll keep on pushing.”

Ferrari’s 27-point haul helped them reclaim second in the Constructors’ Championship, overtaking Red Bull by a narrow margin. Leclerc’s podium was the 47th of his career and marked Scuderia Ferrari’s 833rd.

Lando Norris took the victory ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri, sealing McLaren’s third one-two finish of the season.

A Monaco return looms

With the Austrian Grand Prix behind them, the Formula 1 circus now heads to Silverstone for the British Grand Prix from 4th to 6th July. Leclerc will be hoping Ferrari can maintain their progress and mount a serious challenge to McLaren’s recent dominance.

As for Leclerc, the home crowd in Monaco will be watching closely. With Ferrari’s upgrades delivering clear improvements and Leclerc’s consistency shining through, hopes are high for more podiums—and maybe that elusive first win of the season.

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Photo source: Scuderia Ferrari Media Centre

Usova blends metaphysical art with technology at private vernissage

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
30/06/2025

On 25th June, guests at the private vernissage at Hôtel Metropole Monte-Carlo were treated to an immersive encounter with Daria Usova’s newest creations. The official artist of the Principality unveiled her latest works, combining traditional collage with cutting-edge augmented reality, personally guiding attendees through the experience – all set to the sparkle of flowing champagne.

The invitation-only event for members of the Monaco Ambassador’s Club and Club Suisse de Monaco allowed collectors direct access to the artist, who delivered a brief speech explaining the works before engaging in individual conversations.

Usova’s approach represents what she describes as ‘a collage language for the digital mind’ with works that evoke urban graffiti and social media feeds.

Her ‘Portals’ series, featured prominently at the vernissage, drew particular attention for integrating augmented reality technology. Attendees were fascinated by the AR integration, using smartphones to scan QR codes positioned next to select peaces, revealing additional layers and interactive content.

Augmented reality interactive art work, photo by Monaco Life.

From phycology to sculpture

The evening showcased works spanning Usova’s career, including pieces from her ‘Rorschach Cards’ series—psychological mirrors that invite personal interpretation. The series gained recognition following its 2012 debut at Moscow’s RuArts Gallery, where Swiss actor Vincent Pérez attended the opening.

Guests also experienced Usova’s aesthetic in three dimensional form through exclusive collage sculptures including ‘Artificial Intelligence’ and ‘Alice: More than the World’, created entirely by the artist herself.

Alice: More than the World, photo by Monaco Life.

International recognition

Usova’s work has attracted notable collectors, with pieces acquired by luxury fashion house Dolce & Gabbana and members of the Kardashian family, says the artist. Her ‘Serenity’ series, featuring powerful animal archetypes set against mystical landscapes, has proven particularly sought-after with more than half of the 19 large-scale collages entering private collections across Monaco, Germany, and Luxembourg.

Central to Usova’s practice is transforming discarded magazine materials into complex artworks. Each piece is constructed by thousands of recycled fragments, addressing concerns about waste.

See more in Kyriaki Topalidou’s video reel below…

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Main photo of Daria Usova by Monaco Life.

Photos: Monaco’s National Day dazzles at Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai

by: Cassandra Tanti
30/06/2025

Under the vibrant skies of Osaka, Monaco took centre stage on Saturday 28th June for its National Day at Expo 2025 Kansai. Prince Albert II led an elegant delegation including Princess Stéphanie, Pauline Ducruet, Camille Gottlieb and Louis and Marie Ducruet, in a celebration that wove together culture, creativity and environmental purpose.

The day began with a moment of serene connection: a traditional tea ceremony hosted at the Maison d’Hôte. The ritual’s blend of elegance, harmony and reflection provided a fitting prelude to a day that celebrated the intersection of heritage and the future.

Photo credit: Axel Bastello, Palais princier

A ceremony of two nations

At the National Day Hall, the Carabiniers Orchestra opened the formal part of the celebrations. As Monaco’s anthem mingled with Japan’s, the two flags were raised in a stirring gesture of friendship.

Prince Albert reflected on Monaco’s mission at the Universal Exposition: “Expo 2025 offers a precious opportunity to rethink our lifestyles, aspirations, and the imperative of fully integrating environmental protection.

“Our pavilion, Take Care of Wonder, gives visitors an immersive experience of nature’s miracles and the role each of us plays in their preservation. Only a positive, long-term vision can allow us to imagine a more sustainable and responsible society.”

Photo credit: Axel Bastello, Palais princier

A journey through pavilions

Following an official luncheon, the Prince and his delegation walked through two striking pavilions. At Japan’s Between Lives, they explored a poetic narrative of birth, decay and renewal, woven through nature, biogas, traditional crafts and sensory design. The visit was framed by a musical parade led by the Carabiniers Orchestra before the group reached Monaco’s pavilion.

Take Care of Wonder: Monaco’s immersive showcase

Welcomed by Commissioner General Mireille Martini, Prince Albert discovered Take Care of Wonder, a pavilion that speaks to Monaco’s environmental priorities with immersive design. From tactile galleries to the Monaco Green Lab, and ending in an oceanic cathedral echoing Mediterranean depths, the pavilion has already welcomed over 550,000 visitors—proof that Monaco’s approach to sustainability and scientific excellence is striking a chord.

To seal this message of peace and hope, the Prince gifted an olive tree to Osaka’s Mayor at the pavilion’s close—a living emblem of friendship.

Photo credit: Axel Bastello, Palais princier

From the desert to the Seine: exploring global innovation

Later in the day, the delegation toured the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, featuring sustainable architecture and coral conservation. They then moved to France’s Théâtre de la Vie, a sensorial journey through French art, cuisine and creativity.

Cultural crescendo

The day ended on a high note with a concert by the Carabiniers Orchestra followed by performances by Les Ballets de Monte‑Carlo and the Princess Grace Dance Academy.

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All photos credit: Axel Bastello, Palais princier