The glittering Côte d’Azur is this week hosting one of the world’s most urgent conversations: the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which officially opened in Nice on Monday 9th June. At centre stage was Prince Albert II of Monaco, who delivered a compelling speech to more than 60 world leaders gathered in the city’s Palais des Expositions.
Taking the microphone during the opening General Debate, Prince Albert II wasted no time in setting the tone: “We have committed to taking bold action for the oceans.” Drawing on Monaco’s decades-long leadership in marine protection, he called for scientific collaboration and financial investment to drive a new, sustainable blue economy.
He announced Monaco’s backing of a proposed International Platform for Ocean Sustainability, to be developed under UNESCO, and urged nations to think beyond policies. “We must finance and promote an ocean-friendly economic model—starting now,” he said, pointing to sectors like maritime transport, aquaculture and renewable energy as ripe for transformation through innovation.
From Blue Economy To Real-World Impact
In a clear sign that Monaco isn’t just talking the talk, Prince Albert referenced the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF), hosted by the Principality just days before UNOC3. The high-level event brought together political figures, scientists, NGOs, and financial powerhouses to accelerate funding for ocean-positive technologies.
“The ocean doesn’t have time for empty promises,” was the unspoken message as Prince Albert underlined the urgency of turning ideas into action.
Prince Albert II of Monaco on the opening day of UNOC 2025. Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier
A Walk Through The Cryosphere
After his speech, the Prince took time to visit the Cryosphere Pavilion—aptly located at La Baleine—where he mingled with scientists, delegates and visitors. His presence added weight to discussions on the impact of polar melting on global sea levels, bridging the gap between diplomacy and science.
As talks continue in Nice, Monaco’s message is loud and clear: when it comes to saving the ocean, leadership means showing up, speaking out, and getting to work.
Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Main photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger / Palais princier
Enric Sala calls out ‘window dressing’ ocean pledges at UN summit in Nice
As the UN Ocean Conference got underway in Nice, leading marine scientist and National Geographic explorer Enric Sala delivered a stark warning: the world is still falling short on real action to protect the oceans, despite a cascade of political promises.
Enric Sala, the founder of National Geographic’s Pristine Seas initiative and a key scientific voice behind Ocean with David Attenborough, issued a searing assessment of the first day of UNOC3. While praising the symbolic momentum, he criticised the substance behind many government pledges, calling them “window dressing”.
“We are hearing so many world leaders speak about the importance of ocean protection, but when it comes to action, they are falling short,” said Sala, who has led dozens of ocean conservation expeditions across the globe. “The commitments are rolling in, but many are nothing more than window dressing.”
Sala urged countries to go beyond rhetorical support and take bold, science-backed steps—particularly the phase-out of bottom trawling in marine protected areas (MPAs) and the creation of more fully protected zones. “Without a healthy ocean, fisheries will fail. The worst enemy of fishing is overfishing, not protected areas,” he warned.
Europe lagging behind pacific leadership on marine protection
While countries such as Greece and Sweden have announced full bans on bottom trawling within their MPAs, Sala criticised others—particularly France—for making “cosmetic” announcements that fail to enact meaningful bans on destructive fishing practices.
“The announcement today from France increasing protections in its metropolitan seas fails to materially increase the level of protection or enact any new prohibition on bottom trawling in MPAs,” he noted.
In contrast, Sala applauded Pacific island nations such as Tuvalu and Fiji for showing that economic size is no barrier to effective marine protection. “It’s inspiring to watch these ‘big ocean states’ rise to the challenge,” he said, calling their leadership proof that “closing large areas to fishing is not only compatible with sustainable fisheries, but essential to replenish them.”
The science—and public—are on the side of stronger action
Scientific consensus is clear: bottom trawling releases vast amounts of carbon dioxide and damages seabed ecosystems beyond repair. The practice, featured in Sala’s recent film Ocean with David Attenborough, has been widely condemned for its environmental and ethical impact.
Sala reiterated that there is still time for world leaders gathered in Nice to “do the right thing” and adopt science-backed reforms that benefit not only the environment, but coastal economies and global food security. “Marine protected areas make sense for countries, economies, and fisheries,” he said. “And bans on wasteful practices like bottom trawling in MPAs are a no-brainer.”
The race to 30×30 continues
The call to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030—known as 30×30—remains the global benchmark. A new study published in Marine Policy just days before UNOC3 found that the world needs to designate 85 new marine protected areas every day to meet that target. With the clock ticking and political attention focused on Nice, Sala’s intervention is a reminder that declarations alone won’t deliver the ocean’s future.
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Photo of Enric Sala, Explorer-in-Residence, National Geographic Society, USA; Young Global Leader, speaking in the What’s at Stake: Our Ocean session at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2020 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. Credit: World Economic Forum
Monaco United Football Club launches with women’s team at its heart
Football in Monaco has taken an unexpected turn with the arrival of Monaco United Football Club, a new team helmed by former AS Monaco striker Marco Simone. With a sharp focus on elevating women’s football, the club’s launch signals the beginning of a long-term project to establish a high-level institution rooted firmly in the Principality. This fresh venture promises to reshape the local sporting landscape, placing the women’s squad at its very heart.
Marco Simone, whose professional career includes spells with AS Monaco, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, described the launch as a deeply personal project. “Monaco gave me so much. Today, I want to give back,” he said. “This club is built on a vision of the future, shaped by what I’ve seen and experienced—especially in the world of women’s football, which deserves far greater investment and recognition.”
Speaking symbolically from the same spot where he once signed as a player with AS Monaco 25 years ago, Simone now returns as President of Monaco United Football Club, determined to forge a new path rooted in excellence, inclusivity, and opportunity.
The women’s team: ambition from day one
At the heart of the club is the Monaco United Women’s Team, which will make its debut in the French championship this September. The club’s leadership has made clear that the women’s team is not an add-on—but the cornerstone of its vision. With professional structures, international scouting, and top-tier infrastructure, the goal is to elevate Monaco onto the national and European stage.
“This is a long-term project,” said Morris Pagniello, founder of Racing City Group, the club’s main partner. “We’re not here to compete with anyone—we’re here to contribute something new. Our dream is to one day see Monaco United in the Champions League.”
Recruitment is underway to build a competitive, internationally diverse squad, with players expected from France, Italy, Spain, Latin America and Africa. The project also includes a men’s section and a youth programme, with each team aligned with the club’s broader identity and values.
Monaco United Academy: training future champions
Central to the club’s mission is the Monaco United Academy, open to young players aged 14 to 23. Designed to develop future professionals in both women’s and men’s football, the academy offers tailored education alongside elite athletic training. It is supported by Adil Rami, 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, who has been named the academy’s official ambassador and will also make appearances for the Monaco United men’s team.
“Supporting the next generation is the most important investment we can make,” said Simone. “The academy reflects that commitment, both on and off the pitch.”
Rooted locally, reaching globally
Monaco United’s home ground will be the Stade Didier Deschamps in Cap d’Ail, directly across from Stade Louis II. The location grounds the club in the local sporting landscape while asserting a distinct identity and long-term vision.
With infrastructure, international partnerships and media strategy all part of its launch plan, Monaco United is positioning itself as a model for a modern, inclusive football club.
An official launch event is scheduled for late August, where full details will be revealed, including the team’s division, full player roster, technical staff, and ways for supporters to get involved.
Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Muse Monte-Carlo launches refined summer menu beneath the pines
Tucked away under a canopy of pines at Le Méridien Beach Plaza, Muse Monte-Carlo offers a quiet retreat from the pace of city life — just minutes from the heart of Monaco, yet worlds apart. With sea views, shaded terraces and a setting that flows from sunlit afternoons into lantern-lit evenings, the restaurant has become a summer fixture for those in search of something unhurried, elegant, and unmistakably Mediterranean.
Surrounded by nature and shaped by the movement of light and breeze, Muse’s design — by French studio Adjamée — blends seamlessly with its environment. Raw wood, brushed metal and soft fabrics echo the landscape outside, while the layout invites guests to settle in: a pergola for lingering lunches, a teak deck under the pines, and a bar lounge that naturally draws the evening in.
But what truly defines Muse is the cuisine, and this summer, a new menu captures the essence of the Riviera with balance, flavour and flair.
Monaco Life’s Editor-in-Chief, Cassandra Tanti, experienced a preview of the season’s new dishes—served with a dash of culinary flair and a hint of theatrical magic.
Fresh flavours for summer days
At lunch, the focus is on seasonal lightness and shared pleasure. Dishes such as marinated watermelon with soy and Japanese pearls offer a crisp, refreshing start, while the rocket and raw artichoke salad brings a local touch to the table.
Each dish delivers a burst of flavour, from goat’s cheese Chantilly with fresh melon and citrus, to grilled aubergine with sumac and feta, and langoustine paired with avocado and pamplemousse. The entrées are thoughtfully crafted to suit the Riviera climate, the chic seaside setting, and today’s health-conscious tastes, with a clear lean towards raw elements, fresh ingredients, and bright fruit pairings.
There’s room, too, for comfort, with a playful twist: the XXL bacon cheeseburger is already drawing attention for its generous size and carefully considered build.
Left: Hommous with sesame cream, crispy vegetables and crusty tortilla with fresh melon and citrus served with goats cheese Chantilly and basil. Right: Chickpea fries. Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life
The mood deepens with nightfall
Evenings bring a shift in pace. The air softens, the sea darkens, and the menu evolves to match. Dishes like crispy octopus, beef tataki, and lobster tail set the tone for a more indulgent dining experience, while grilled catch of the day and slow-cooked lamb offer Mediterranean depth with minimal fuss.
Fridays and Saturdays add a touch of surprise, as a close-up illusionist quietly moves among the tables — offering discreet, almost cinematic moments of magic between courses. It’s a detail that’s subtle but effective, adding another layer to an already well-considered evening.
New this season – magicians, who subtly work their way around tables to deliver a memorable experience. Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti, Monaco Life
Curated simplicity on every plate
The strength of the menu lies in its clarity. Golden tacos, house-made pinsas, and classic Mediterranean pastas — from trofie cacio e pepe to lobster linguine — are all delivered with clean, confident execution. Desserts, too, are designed to impress without overcomplication: the millefeuille is crisp and delicate, while a chocolate mousse with cacao sorbet ends the meal on a rich, satisfying note.
Throughout, the culinary identity remains consistent — unpretentious, thoughtful, and driven by quality.
Muse offerings different ambiances throughout
The soundtrack of summer
A subtle but integral part of the Muse experience is its soundtrack, curated by Bon Entendeur. Designed to complement rather than compete, the music — full of retro textures and mellow rhythm — shapes the atmosphere as naturally as the setting sun.
Muse Monte-Carlo is not trying to reinvent the Monaco dining scene. Instead, it refines what already works: honest flavours, a strong sense of place, and a setting that invites you to stay just a little longer.
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James Joyce’s modernist masterpiece Ulysses will once again echo through the streets of Monaco‑Ville as the Princess Grace Irish Library hosts its beloved annual Bloomsday celebration on Monday 16th June.
Beginning at 2pm, literary enthusiasts are invited to gather at the Princess Grace Irish Library, where the event will commence with dramatic readings from the balcony at 2.30pm. From there, actors from the Monaco‑Ireland Arts Society will lead participants through the old town, transforming Le Rocher into an open-air stage for Joyce’s words. The immersive experience concludes back at the library with refreshments and an opportunity to connect with fellow lovers of Irish literature.
Joyce’s words ring through monaco-ville
Bloomsday, named after Joyce’s protagonist Leopold Bloom, is celebrated globally on 16th June in homage to the events of Ulysses, which unfold over a single day in 1904. Monaco’s tribute is marked by a spirited promenade through the cobbled streets of Monaco‑Ville, with stops for readings at scenic corners and historic settings. Visitors are encouraged to join the tradition by wearing a hat and bringing water, as the afternoon sun and terrain may prove challenging for some.
From Paris to Monaco: celebrating Ulysses
Ulysses was famously published in 1922 by American expatriate Sylvia Beach in Paris, after Joyce struggled to find a publisher willing to handle his complex and controversial text. The Princess Grace Irish Library will use the day’s celebration not only to highlight Joyce’s brilliance, but also to share insights into the novel’s creation and lasting influence.
Founded in 1984 by Prince Rainier III in memory of Princess Grace, the Princess Grace Irish Library is a cornerstone of Monaco’s cultural life and a symbol of the enduring ties between Ireland and the Principality. Housing over 12,000 volumes and rare literary treasures, the library regularly hosts readings, exhibitions and lectures that explore Ireland’s rich literary heritage.
Planning your visit
The event is free and open to all, but attendees should note that the library will be closed during the walking portion of the celebration. The gathering begins at 2pm, with balcony readings starting promptly at 2.30pm. As the route winds through Monaco‑Ville, those with limited mobility may find the walk difficult. Participants are reminded to bring water, wear suitable shoes, and of course, a hat.
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Photo provided
Space4Ocean Alliance: a historic launch uniting space and sea
A groundbreaking international alliance was officially launched on June 9 in Nice, promising to revolutionise the ocean’s monitoring and protection. Space4Ocean Alliance, led by the French space agency CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales), marked its historic debut with an official signing ceremony at the Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur during the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3).
The launch event, attended by Monaco Life, brought together Philippe Baptiste, President of CNES, European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet, Monaco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, and Dr. Gaëlle Giesen, a physicist, spatial engineer, and world record holder in deep-sea diving amongst others. Mayor Christian Estrosi hosted the ceremony at the prestigious observatory.
More than 30 international partners signed the Declaration of Interest, establishing a coalition that aims to bridge the gap between space technology and ocean conservation.
Philippe Baptiste highlighted the potential: “From space, we can observe the entire planet. We can track change, monitor trends and install faster than ever. But observation alone is not enough. We also need to process, store and collect the amount of data.”
Space4Ocean Alliance. From left to right: Christian Estrosi, Isabelle Berro-Amadei, Philippe Baptiste, Aarti Holla-Maini and Lionel Suchet. Photo by Monaco Life
The beginning of the alliance
The initiative began with international outreach throughout 2024. Early discussions started at the April 2024 Space Symposium in Colorado Springs with NASA, NOAA, JAXA, CSIRO, and ISRO. The initiative gained momentum at the July 2024 Ocean Space Forum in Monaco, followed by presentations to key international bodies including COPUOS and CEOS.
The October 2024 International Astronautical Congress in Milan saw the first draft pledge presented to the space community. A decisive December 2024 meeting of space actors in Paris, hosted by CNES, confirmed expressions of interest and presented additional scientific missions.
The alliance targets eight specific areas: ocean biodiversity protection through improved monitoring of marine protected areas, climate change impacts on the ocean including natural disasters and extreme events, sustainable blue economy initiatives covering fishing and aquaculture, marine and coastal pollution monitoring, coastal zone management, maritime security and surveillance including combating illegal fishing, performance assessment of Earth observation data, and foundation ocean science.
“This alliance really brings together the wide and diverse set of stakeholders, governance, space agencies, research centres, and UN bodies,” Baptiste explained. “Together, we are building a global network, one that connects space science with ocean science.”
Focus on vulnerable nations
Minister Berro-Amadeï highlighted the alliance’s commitment to countries lacking space capabilities: “Many of those who will be affected by climate change and ocean degradation or who are committed to protecting the ocean still do not have access to these technologies. We know that the most vulnerable countries are often those who lack human or financial resources.”
The alliance specifically targets coastal strips monitoring, illegal fishing prevention, marine pollution control, and marine protected area management for these frontline nations. The Declaration explicitly states that actions should “notably respond to the needs of countries that do not have space capabilities and/or enough resources or scientific expertise.”
Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), provided perspective on space technology’s ocean applications: “The space sector spends a lot of time looking up to the skies and exploring what lies beyond. But today, we look down with a different perspective from space towards our oceans.”
She noted that despite six decades of photographing Earth from space, “we still understand less about the ocean than we do about the moon or even Mars.” Space-based data remains “unmatched in global coverage and consistency” for tracking illegal fishing, plastic pollution, sea level rise, coral bleaching, and harmful algal blooms.”
The alliance’s integration within the UN Ocean Conference framework aims for recognition as an official Special Space Event of UNOC, ensuring recommendations become part of plenary sessions between member states.
Group photo during the Space4Ocean Alliance. Photo by Monaco Life
An urgent call for action
Dr. Selma Cherchali, CNES’s Earth Observation Programme leader and the alliance’s driving force, highlighted the scientific community’s urgent calls: “We heard an important and urgent call – a call for action now, not tomorrow. This call comes from scientists who urge us to act immediately.”
The alliance addresses multiple gaps in connecting space capabilities to ocean stakeholders, enhancing space data usage, and building operational services based on scientific foundations
The Declaration of Interest will be formally presented to Peter Thompson, the UN Special Envoy for the Ocean, at a special side event on 13th June in the Blue Zone. Baptiste concluded: “We want to make space technologies useful for the ocean and for the people who depend on it. This means delivering also actionable data that can guide decisions to strengthen marine policies and to support sustainable growth.”
See more in Kyriaki Topalidou’s video news reel below…
Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tik Tok.
Main photo by Monaco Life
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