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Month: June 2025

Malizia Explorer christened in Monaco as new research sailboat joins the fight for ocean health

by: Cassandra Tanti
10/06/2025

In a deeply symbolic ceremony just ahead of World Oceans Day, Malizia Explorer—the new scientific research sailboat from Team Malizia—was officially christened at the Yacht Club de Monaco by legendary oceanographer Sylvia Earle, in the presence of Prince Albert II and a distinguished gathering of ocean advocates.

On 6th June, Malizia Explorer was welcomed into the Principality’s fleet with a traditional blessing by Father Christian Venard and the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle. The 26-metre aluminium vessel joins Team Malizia’s fleet with a singular mission: to support cutting-edge ocean research, especially in the planet’s most remote and vulnerable polar regions.

“This vessel is a superb logistics platform available to scientists,” said Pierre Casiraghi, Vice-President of the Yacht Club de Monaco and co-founder of Team Malizia. “It reflects the team’s DNA—built on competition and environmental protection.”

The vessel received its 4-Star Sea Index environmental certification during the ceremony, awarded by the Yacht Club’s President, Prince Albert II. Supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the boat is expected to play a vital role in collecting data from uncharted marine regions, reinforcing Monaco’s global leadership in ocean conservation.

A godmother with a global legacy

The christening was led by Dr Sylvia Earle, the 89-year-old American marine biologist and explorer who has long championed the protection of the ocean’s most fragile ecosystems. “This sailboat symbolises new hope,” said Earle. “It combines the ancient wisdom of sailing with the modern tools of science. It may be our last chance to reverse the trajectory of decline and put our blue planet back on the path to regeneration.”

Among the 80 guests were Ambassador Peter Thomson, UN Special Envoy for the Ocean, students from the Principality, and young sailors from the Yacht Club, reinforcing the event’s educational and multigenerational message.

At sea for science

Launched in Lorient earlier this year, Malizia Explorer is purpose-built for research missions in polar and tropical zones. With space for four crew and up to eight scientists, it is equipped with sophisticated instruments such as an Ocean Pack system for continuous climate data collection, a CTD rosette for deep-sea sampling, and a suite of advanced sensors being installed in partnership with scientific institutions.

The vessel will support long-term missions in collaboration with partners including AWI, GEOMAR, OceanOPS, Hereon, the Swiss Polar Institute, and Reederei F. Laeisz. Its five-year itinerary includes the Mediterranean, Antarctica and the Arctic, with its first post-launch activity being participation in the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) parade in Nice.

Bridging exploration, education and climate advocacy

“The christening of this boat in Monaco marks an important milestone in uniting sailors, scientists and creatives to give the ocean a voice,” said Boris Herrmann, skipper and co-founder of Team Malizia. “This research vessel is a natural evolution of our climate mission. It allows us to collect vital data and communicate the urgent story of ocean health on a global scale.”

With Malizia Explorer, Team Malizia expands its ‘A Race We Must Win – Climate Action Now’ programme from ocean racing to hands-on research. It is a powerful embodiment of Monaco’s longstanding tradition at the intersection of exploration, science and environmental leadership.

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.  

Photo source: YCM

Macron in Monaco: what the two-day shutdown delivered for ocean diplomacy and beyond

by: Cassandra Tanti
10/06/2025

Monaco became a high-security diplomatic theatre as French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron touched down for a historic State Visit, sealing key environmental and political accords with Prince Albert II and the Principality.

With helicopters circling and red carpets unfurled across the city-state, President Emmanuel Macron’s long-anticipated State Visit turned Monaco into a diplomatic fortress on 7th and 8th June. In a rare moment of pageantry and political purpose, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlène welcomed the French presidential couple for the first formal State Visit since 1984 — a meeting as heavy with symbolism as it was rich in substance.

The official welcome ceremony on Saturday set a striking tone: Prince Hereditary Jacques and Princess Gabriella stood alongside their parents to greet President and Madame Macron at the Prince’s Palace, infusing the moment with a sense of family legacy and national unity. The Franco-Monégasque bond was presented in its full ceremonial splendour, underscoring a deep-rooted alliance built on shared values, mutual trust, and a collective vision for navigating global challenges.

Oceans as diplomacy’s new frontier

The diplomatic engine of the visit was ocean action — a theme chosen not by coincidence but by conviction. With Monaco hosting the Blue Economy and Finance Forum and France co-organising the UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice just days later, the two nations aligned their maritime priorities with a Joint Declaration on the Ocean. The ambitious document spans urgent challenges like plastic pollution, illegal fishing, and marine biodiversity protection — clear proof that the visit wasn’t all show.

One of the more poignant gestures came from France: the naming of a 1,958-metre submarine mountain in the Indian Ocean as “Mont sous-marin Prince Albert II” — a rare and symbolic tribute that anchors Monaco’s monarch in the literal depths of oceanography.

Monaco’s streets go silent, as politics take the mic

The impact of the visit wasn’t confined to palace halls. Entire districts were locked down as motorcades swept past barricaded streets and security patrols saturated the scene. For two full days, daily life in the usually effortless rhythm of Monte-Carlo was brought to a halt — a visual marker of just how weighty the moment was.

The official welcoming ceremony in the palace court

Amid the ceremonial procession, concrete outcomes emerged: Monaco and France signed a new amendment to their longstanding customs convention, aiming to modernise cross-border cooperation. They also mapped out plans for improved road safety collaboration and upgraded systems for Franco-Monégasque data-sharing. Discussions even extended to the governance of Monaco’s famed Oceanographic Institute — a signal of evolving partnership well beyond tradition.

Shared Mediterranean, shared responsibilities

Both leaders used the momentum of the State Visit to reinforce their shared Mediterranean identity and environmental obligations. From their endorsement of the UNESCO oceanographic lab in Villefranche-sur-Mer to new commitments under the Ramoge Agreement, the visit deepened marine diplomacy at a regional and global level.

A new charter on sustainable cruising was also unveiled — a timely move to address the environmental impact of maritime tourism across the Mediterranean, where both nations hold sway.

Europe in view, monaco on the map

Though steeped in ceremony, the visit was a forward-facing political statement. France and Monaco reaffirmed alignment across the European Political Community, pledging cooperation on hybrid threats, Ukraine support, economic resilience, and youth mobility. Discussions also touched on strengthening the diplomatic and consular presence of France in the Principality — a nod to the enduring human infrastructure behind the alliance.

Princess Gabriella presenting a bouqet of flowers to First Lady Brigitte Macron

And as TV5 Monde beamed live coverage of Monaco’s blue diplomacy across the francophone world, the symbolic merged with the strategic. For two days, Monaco didn’t just host a State Visit — it hosted a turning point. The world’s smallest sovereign state once again played a disproportionately large role on the global stage.

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.

Photos credit: Axel Bastello / Frédéric Nebinger / Michaël Alesi / Eric Mathon / Palais princier

Monaco’s Town Hall unveils packed summer programme with events for all ages

by: Cassandra Tanti
10/06/2025

Under the olive trees of Parc Princesse Antoinette, Monaco’s elected officials gathered on 6th June to reveal a lively and inclusive summer 2025 events calendar. With activities spanning music, culture, family fun and youth engagement, the Mairie de Monaco aims to offer a season that celebrates community spirit and quality of life across the Principality.

The announcement was led by Axelle Amalberti Verdino, Deputy Mayor in charge of events and leisure, alongside fellow councillors Camille Svara, Marjorie Crovetto, Chloé Boscagli, and Jacques Pastor. “These events are more than simple entertainment,” said Amalberti Verdino. “They reflect our constant commitment to strengthening social bonds and creating a lively, welcoming environment for residents, visitors and Monaco’s youth.”

Highlights of the season include the return of Soirées Enfantines, starting with the Grand Children’s Party on 13th June at Parc Princesse Antoinette, and continuing across various locations throughout the summer.

Celebrating culture, music and tradition

A much-anticipated staple, Fête de la Musique, will see performances take over the Principality on 21st June, with celebrations in every district from 15:30 and a headline show by DJ MOSIMANN on Quai Albert Ier at 21:30.

Traditional festivities are also set to light up the city, with the Fête de la Saint Jean returning to the Place du Palais Princier and Place des Moulins on 23rd and 24th June, followed by the colourful U Sciaratu Western-themed carnivalon 4th July.

Music lovers can enjoy a series of open-air concerts between 9th July and 20th August at Square Gastaud and Larvotto, with a special orchestral performance from students of Réunion Island on 16th July.

Family favourites return to Port Hercule

Été sur le Port Hercule is back from 18th July to 24th August, transforming Quai Albert Ier into a seaside fairground with carousels, karting, trampolines, duck fishing, pop-up basketball courts and more, including the return of the ASM Kids Tour.

Meanwhile, fireworks nights on 26th July and 9th August will include inflatable play areas for children, followed by DJ sets and live pop-rock performances.

Focus on youth and creativity

The Mairie continues to invest in youth-led events, with the Bricks Académie of superheroes launching on 6th June at Espace Léo Ferré, and the return of the Street Art Challenge Junior on 14th and 15th June during UPAINT 2025. Teenagers aged 12–17 can look forward to the ever-popular Splash Party at Stade Nautique Rainier III on 18th June.

The Marché de la Condamine will host a festive lineup too, from a Dolceacqua evening on 28th June, to a ‘Summer Vibes’ soirée on 5th July, the Frenchy Apéro on 13th July, and the traditional Bal du Marché on 12th September.

Cultural engagement and summer learning

The Médiathèque de Monaco is offering a creative programme with storytelling, activities for children and a new ‘jaspage’ workshop. The season culminates on 19th September with a special event marking the library’s final day before its upcoming move.

Students of the Académie Rainier III will also feature prominently in summer programming, including the music for L’Impromptu de Versailles on 12th June, followed by music and theatre galas on 18th and 25th June respectively.

Elsewhere, the Stade Nautique Rainier III will remain open to the public with classes in aquagym, aquabike and beginner diving. The Centre Botanique opens Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 to 15:30, while the Exotic Garden Boutique will host workshops focused on succulent plant arrangements.

This summer in Monaco promises a vibrant mix of tradition, innovation and joy, with the Town Hall once again placing residents and visitors at the heart of its cultural mission.

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  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.

Photo source: Mairie de Monaco

World edges closer to historic ocean deal as Macron predicts High Seas Treaty will take effect in January

by: Cassandra Tanti
10/06/2025

The UN Ocean Conference in Nice opened with a decisive move toward global ocean governance, as 18 countries formally ratified the High Seas Treaty, marking the biggest single-day advancement for the agreement since its adoption. French President Emmanuel Macron used the moment to announce that the treaty, which aims to regulate and protect international waters, could come into force as early as 1st January 2026.

The surge in support at the Nice summit brings the total number of ratifications to 49, just 11 short of the 60 required for the treaty to take legal effect. Nations from across continents, including Guinea-Bissau, Tuvalu, Croatia and Jamaica, confirmed their commitment during the high-level gathering. Macron told delegates that 55 ratifications are now complete, with an additional 15 under way and more expected by year’s end.

“This means the treaty could enter into force on 1st January of next year,” said the French President. “We would finally have an international framework to regulate and administer the high seas.”

See more: Monaco first in EU to ratify UN High Seas Treaty on protections outside national jurisdictions

Rebecca Hubbard of the High Seas Alliance called the milestone “a tidal wave of hope” and a turning point for marine conservation. She added that with only a handful of ratifications left, it is now only a matter of weeks before the agreement can move forward.

EU unveils €40 million lifeline for treaty implementation

The European Union, a key driving force behind the treaty, used the occasion to announce a €40 million pledge to help countries ratify and implement the agreement. The funding will support efforts in African, Caribbean and Pacific nations, many of which face resource limitations when transitioning treaty commitments into domestic law.

“We all know the treaty is a crucial instrument to protect our ocean beyond borders,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during the opening session. The EU was joined by six of its member states in finalising ratifications just ahead of the summit, following earlier endorsements by France and Spain.

Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Oceans and Fisheries, added that the EU would also work with global partners to ensure strong, science-based implementation of the treaty through the Global Ocean Programme.

What the High Seas Treaty will change

Officially named the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, the High Seas Treaty was adopted in 2023 following nearly two decades of negotiations. It is designed to introduce legally binding protection for marine areas beyond national boundaries—regions that cover almost two-thirds of the world’s ocean.

Currently governed by a patchwork of sectoral rules and regional agreements, these waters have long remained vulnerable to overfishing, pollution and the looming threat of deep-sea mining. The treaty will empower countries to establish marine protected areas, require environmental impact assessments, and coordinate scientific activities in international waters for the first time.

Megan Randles of Greenpeace described the treaty as “our best chance to rein in the wild west of the high seas” and to safeguard ecosystems that are vital to climate stability and marine biodiversity.

Countdown to implementation

Once the 60th ratification is deposited, the treaty will enter into force 120 days later. This would trigger the first Conference of the Parties (COP1), where countries will meet to begin establishing the institutions needed to enforce the agreement—ranging from monitoring systems to decision-making bodies and enforcement mechanisms.

With political will intensifying and new funding on the table, Nice may well be remembered as the moment the tide truly turned in favour of the ocean.

See also: 

“The ship has reached the shore”: 52 countries agree to monumental Treaty of the High Seas

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.  

Photo credit: Marlin Clark, Unsplash

 

Monaco and France sign enhanced charter for sustainable Mediterranean cruising

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
09/06/2025

Monaco and France have strengthened their environmental partnership by signing an enhanced version of the Sustainable Mediterranean Cruise Charter. The signing symbolically took place during the opening ceremony of the Blue Economy and Finance Forum on 7th June.

The agreement was signed by Céline Caron-Dagioni, Monaco’s Minister for Equipment, Environment and Urban Planning, and Philippe Tabarot, France’s Transport Minister, at the Grimaldi Forum.

The enhanced charter includes four key commitments that build upon the 2022 convention previously signed between the two nations. These include clear commitments to reduce air pollution in four Mediterranean ports and to install electric charging stations at the docks. They also involve slowing ships down when whales and dolphins are nearby, as well as improving coordination between ports to prevent pollution spikes and support the use of cleaner fuels and modern technology.

Finding the right balance

Minister Tabarot addressed the complex challenge of balancing economic benefits with environmental protection. He acknowledged the sometimes strained relationships between ports and cruise operators in recent years.  “For years, many of us wanted to see cruises come to our ports and bring economic benefits… and then, perhaps overnight, because visitor numbers weren’t limited or practices weren’t regulated, that warm welcome began to fade.”

Despite these difficulties, he reaffirmed France’s commitment to a more sustainable cruise model. He explained that he believes the right balance can be found between economic development and environmental protection, noting that economic benefits and ocean conservation are not incompatible goals.

Minister Caron-Dagioni also highlighted that environmental requirements in the Principality are not simply moral imperatives but represent regulatory reality. “In Monaco, environmental demands are not simply moral. It is a regulatory reality,” she stated, describing this as part of the historic commitment of Monaco’s principles that are shared from generation to generation.

“Let’s not forget that in Monaco, we used to be sailors. We lived from that, and this root is deeply anchored in the preservation of our primary environment, which is what the sea represents.” she added.

Signing the enhanced version of the Sustainable Mediterranean Cruise Charter during the Blue Economy and Finance Forum

A shared Mediterranean responsibility

Minister Caron-Dagioni stressed that environmental protection is not the affair of one person or country, but rather the responsibility of all. She noted that Monaco has already implemented a selective cruise policy compatible with air quality standards, quality of life, and climate objectives.

The signing follows the endorsement of the improved charter by major cruise operators in Marseille the previous day, with companies representing more than 50% of cruise operations already committed to the initiative. Minister Tabarot encouraged other operators to join what he described as a virtuous approach that combines environmental, economic, and dialogue-based elements.

The enhanced charter aims to drive the entire cruise sector towards higher environmental standards whilst maintaining the economic benefits of sustainable tourism. Minister Caron-Dagioni concluded that the charter should serve to “pull the entire sector upwards” and position the Mediterranean as an exemplary region for sustainable cruise operations. She explained that Monaco stands “alongside the companies to accompany them, to go further, to understand their problems and try to bring sustainable solutions with them”.

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.  

All photos by Monaco Life

 

Stina Ehrensvärd named EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 in landmark Monaco ceremony

by: Cassandra Tanti
09/06/2025

Swedish cybersecurity pioneer Stina Ehrensvärd has made history as the first winner from Sweden and only the fourth woman to be named EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year, as Monaco marked the 25th anniversary of the prestigious global award.

In a glittering ceremony held at the Salle des Etoiles on 6th June, Stina Ehrensvärd, co-founder and CEO of Yubico, was awarded the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025. Selected from nearly 5,000 entrepreneurs spanning 43 countries and jurisdictions, Ehrensvärd’s victory marks a series of firsts: she is the inaugural Swedish recipient of the global prize and only the fourth woman to claim the honour in the award’s quarter-century history.

cybersecurity innovation wins global acclaim

Stina Ehrensvärd launched Yubico in 2007 with a mission to make the internet safer for everyone. Just one year later, the company introduced the YubiKey – a physical security key designed to revolutionise multifactor authentication. By 2012, Yubico had secured its place in the cybersecurity ecosystem by partnering with three of Silicon Valley’s biggest tech firms. Today, the company protects 19 of the world’s 20 largest internet companies and has maintained an impressive 40% compound annual growth rate since 2020.

Under Ehrensvärd’s leadership, Yubico has become a global force in online identity protection. Her work has advanced internet safety standards and elevated cybersecurity as a public good, with the YubiKey becoming an industry benchmark. Speaking from Monaco, she described the award not as a culmination, but a catalyst: “This recognition isn’t the finish line. It’s fuel. We are building a safer digital world, and I won’t stop until that mission is fulfilled.”

Monaco celebrates 25 years of global entrepreneurial excellence

This year’s EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year award ceremony also marked the 25th anniversary of the competition, which annually draws together founders, CEOs and business innovators from around the globe. The 2025 judging panel, chaired by Venture Worx CEO Asif Ramji, assessed finalists on four pillars: entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth, and impact. Stina Ehrensvärd stood out as a visionary force who has translated a fundamental belief — that secure digital identity is a human right — into transformative business practice.

Janet Truncale, EY Global Chair and CEO, praised Ehrensvärd as a leader of rare calibre: “Her achievements at Yubico are remarkable on their own – consistently creating new value and making a societal impact – but Stina’s story goes much deeper. Her defining philosophy that a secure digital identity is a basic human right is exactly the type of purpose-driven leadership we look to celebrate.”

Monaco remains a magnet for global innovation

Monaco’s role as host of the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year celebration continues to position the Principality as a centre for global business and thought leadership. The annual event not only honours individual achievement but serves as a platform for international dialogue on the future of entrepreneurship in a rapidly changing world. Ehrensvärd’s win is a reflection of that ethos: visionary, globally relevant, and deeply committed to social impact.

Stina Ehrensvärd now joins an elite group of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni who have helped shape industries, communities, and the world at large. Her story resonates not only for its business success, but for the powerful idea that underpins it — that technology can, and must, be a force for good.

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.

Photo: Stina Ehrensvärd, EY WEOY 2025 winner, with Janet Truncale, EY Global Chair and CEO.