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Day: 14 October 2025

Young minds to take to the stage as ISM hosts Monaco’s only TEDxYouth event

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/10/2025

On Saturday 18th October, the International School of Monaco will open its doors for a unique showcase of student voices during the Principality’s only TEDxYouth event, themed ‘The Power of Perspective’.

The event, now in its fourth edition, is entirely student-led and aims to empower young speakers aged 11 to 16 to share original ideas in the renowned TED format. A parent and a teacher from ISM will also take part as speakers.

Held in the school’s auditorium at 2pm, the two-hour programme includes live talks, musical performances from the ISM Voices student choir and a Year 11 vocal trio, and an interactive quiz. Admission is limited to 100 seats, with tickets priced at €10.

Exploring ‘The Power of Perspective’

The theme for this year, chosen by students, centres on how personal perspective influences culture, communication, and understanding. According to event co-curator Alicia Sedgwick, the theme was inspired by examples like the Inuit people’s many words for snow — a reflection of how environment and necessity shape language and perception.

“Recognising perspective’s impact in everyday life helps us understand others better, reduce conflicts, and make fairer decisions,” said Sedgwick. “It fosters empathy, improves communication, and encourages open-mindedness. By appreciating different viewpoints, we build stronger relationships, adapt to change, and create more inclusive communities.”

Each talk will be filmed and uploaded to the official TED YouTube channel, helping Monaco’s young voices reach a global audience.

A platform for tomorrow’s leaders

Since its inception, ISM’s TEDxYouth initiative has promoted public speaking, critical thinking and global citizenship. It reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to nurturing confident, articulate students who are engaged in global dialogue.

The event is supported by the ISM Parent Teachers Association (PTA), Enhance Me, Moravia Yachting, and San Lorenzo Monaco.

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Prince Albert II visits Sporades, Greece, to support monk seal conservation

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
14/10/2025

Prince Albert II has travelled to the Sporades archipelago in the Aegean Sea to witness first hand the conservation efforts protecting the Mediterranean’s rarest marine mammals: the endangered monk seal.

On October 9th, the Prince visited the Alonissos National Marine Park, Europe’s largest protected marine area, where he explored underwater caves known to harbour the critically threatened Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus). The visit marks a significant moment in Monaco’s long standing commitment to preserving Mediterranean marine life.

“You can only protect what you know,” Prince Albert II said, outlining the importance of direct observation and understanding of species and their habitats. “By respecting living creatures and their living spaces, we manage to preserve them better.”

The visit took place aboard vessels provided by Greece’s Natural Environment and Climate Change Agency, to reach the island of Skopelos, where he personally explored the famous caves that shelter the monk seals. He later returned to the MODX 70-01, the support vessel for Monaco Explorations’ current mission, before travelling to Alonissos island.

Prince Albert II of Monaco and Panos Dendrinos, President of MOm (the Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal), at the MOm Center in Alonissos, photo provided.

The monk seal represents one of the Mediterranean’s greatest conversation challenges. The species is critically threatened, with the population severely impacted by habitat loss, fishing entanglement, and human disturbance.

On its part, Monaco’s involvement in protecting the species stretches back years. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has long supported the Monk Seal Alliance, which works to protect the seals and their habitats across the Mediterranean.

Building bridges between science and protection

During his time in Alonissos, Prince Albert II met with park rangers, local researchers, conservation associations and fishermen working to safeguard marine wildlife and promote responsible fishing practices. Among those present were representatives from Greece’s environment ministry and the Thalassa Foundation.

The visit forms part of the broader ‘Mediterranean Missions’ launched by Monaco’s Explorations programme in October. This initiative, which runs until 2030, aims to accelerate the protection and effective management of marine protected areas across the Mediterranean. The region, despite covering just 0.8 per cent of the ocean’s surface, is home to 7.5 per cent of the world’s marine species.

More than that, the Mediterranean faces unprecedented challenges. Warming at 20% faster than the global average, the sea suffers from plastic pollution, overfishing, invasive species, and coastal development. Around 58% of the region’s fish stocks are now overfished, threatening both the ecosystem and food safety for local communities.

Yet the region also offers solutions. Marine protected areas, when properly designed and managed, function as sanctuaries for biodiversity and vital tools of climate resilience

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Main photo: Prince Albert II with Vera Alexandropoulou, Vice President of the Thalassa Foundation; Petros Varelidis, Secretary General of the Greek Ministry of the Environment; and Vassili G. Apostolopoulos, Consul of Monaco in Greece, at the port of Patitiri, Alonissos. Source: Monaco Explorations. 

Siri Hustvedt awarded the 2025 Principality Prize and set to speak in Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/10/2025

Award-winning author Siri Hustvedt will give a lecture in Monaco on Friday 17th October following her selection as the 2025 Principality Prize laureate, jointly awarded by Les Rencontres Philosophiques and the Fondation Prince Pierre.

Siri Hustvedt, acclaimed for her work at the crossroads of literature, philosophy, neuroscience and psychoanalysis, has been awarded the 2025 Principality Prize. The honour recognises a lifetime of thought and writing that has shaped contemporary philosophical dialogue.

She will give a lecture titled Betweens on Friday 17th October at 7pm at the Théâtre des Variétés in Monaco. The prize itself will be presented on Tuesday 14th October during the annual ceremony at the Salle Garnier.

A body of work that crosses disciplines

Hustvedt is the author of seven novels, including The Blazing World, six essay collections, and a book of poetry. Her work has earned major awards such as the Princess of Asturias Prize and the Literature Award of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

The Principality Prize honours an author whose work opens new philosophical paths. Previous winners include Julia Kristeva, Jacques Rancière and Souleymane Bachir Diagne.

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Photo credit: BBF

Electro Winter Party returns to Grimaldi Forum in February with Ofenbach, Feder and Nathalie Duchene

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/10/2025

After the success of its debut edition earlier this year, the Electro Winter Party will return to the Grimaldi Forum Monaco on Friday 6th February 2026, promising an even bigger and louder night for electronic music fans. The 4,000m² Espace Ravel will once again be transformed into a giant dancefloor for one of the Principality’s most anticipated winter events.

The 2026 edition brings together some of the biggest names in French and European electronic music. Ofenbach, the most streamed French electronic duo in the world with more than 4.5 billion plays, will headline the night with their new conceptual show Clone Live: Prelude. Joining them on stage will be Feder, the chart-topping producer behind international hits Goodbye, Lordly and Breathe, known for his refined and emotive electro style.

Opening the evening is Belgian DJ and producer Nathalie Duchene, a rising star of the European scene whose sets blend techno and disco with cinematic flair. The night will close with an after-party featuring DJ Baloo from Monaco, whose eclectic sets mix house, funk, hip-hop and classical influences — the perfect finale to a night of energy and rhythm.

The programme

The evening will begin with doors opening at 9pm, followed by Nathalie Duchene taking to the decks at 9.30pm. Federwill perform from 11pm, before Ofenbach headline the night with their set starting at 12.30am. The party will continue into the early hours with an after-show from DJ Baloo from Monaco at 2am, bringing the event to a close at 3am. A full bar will remain open throughout the night. Entry is limited to adults aged 18 and over, with valid ID required at the entrance. Minors aged 16 and above may attend only if accompanied by an adult.

Tickets and practical information

Tickets are available now from the Grimaldi Forum Monaco box office and online. Parking is available on site, with night rates from €0.80 per hour after 7pm.

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Photo by Monaco Life

Ten years of the Grimaldi Historic Sites Network marked in Monaco

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/10/2025

Prince Albert II welcomed French and Italian officials to Monaco on Friday 10th October to celebrate a decade of the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco, a cross-border network that now includes almost 150 municipalities with historical links to the Grimaldi family.

Mayors and representatives from a wide range of French and Italian regions, including Alsace, Calabria, Normandy, Auvergne, Piedmont and Puglia, attended the ceremony hosted by Prince Albert II. The event marked the 10th anniversary of the Grimaldi Historic Sites of Monaco (SHGM), launched in 2015.

The network was officially founded on 10th July 2015 at the Palais de Carnolès in Menton by Jean-Claude Guibal, then deputy mayor of the city, and Prince Albert II. Its aim is to strengthen historical, cultural and civic links between the Principality and communities historically connected to the Grimaldi dynasty.

Prince recalls early connections and network milestones

In his address, Prince Albert described how the initiative developed from a series of local visits and commemorations.

“My father Prince Rainier III had already had the idea, in 1997, to involve the territories you represent in the commemoration of the 700 years of Grimaldi presence in Monaco,” he said.

The Prince referred to a visit to Saint-Lô in 2010, where he supported the acquisition of a historic bust, and recalled the warm reception he received from local officials.

“The welcome I was given naturally led me to respond regularly to invitations from local authorities,” he said.

Prince Albert II at the 10th anniversary of the Grimaldi Historic Sites at the YCM. Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Prince’s Palace

The annual ‘Rencontres’ were introduced in 2018. An Italian association was formed in 2020, followed by the creation of a federation in Monaco in 2022, now chaired by the Prince. The SHGM now includes nearly 150 towns and regions.

“These visits are moments of history and memory, but also of dialogue with citizens and working meetings with regional leaders,” Prince Albert said. “I learn about local challenges, many of which are also relevant to Monaco: mobility, environmental sustainability, energy, maritime policy and cross-border relations.”

Recognition for those who contributed to the network’s creation

The Prince paid tribute to two individuals who played key roles in the establishment and growth of the SHGM. Jean-Claude Guibal, the former deputy mayor of Menton, and Albert Croesi, who coordinated the annual meetings until his death, were both acknowledged during the ceremony.

“We would not be here without the initiative taken in 2015 by the late Jean-Claude Guibal,” said the Prince. “Albert Croesi had great organisational skills and infectious enthusiasm. His commitment played a key role in the success of our annual meetings.”

Other long-standing contributors to the network were also recognised, including Philippe Gosselin, Member of Parliament for La Manche and vice-president of the French association, and Fulvio Gazzola, who helped establish the Italian chapter.

Focus on restoration and education

Prince Albert highlighted the progress made in restoring and promoting shared cultural heritage.

“Many heritage elements have been restored. Exhibitions have been organised, monographs and specialist studies have been published, and tourist itineraries have been created,” he said.

He thanked the archival services, museums and local institutions that collaborated with Monaco’s own heritage services to support these projects.

The evening included the screening of a short film by Yann-Antony Noghès. The film will be distributed to member municipalities and tourism offices.

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Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Prince’s Palace

Fauré’s Requiem to be performed at St Paul’s Anglican Church as part of centenary celebrations

by: Cassandra Tanti
14/10/2025

St Paul’s Anglican Church in Monaco will mark its 100th anniversary with a special choral concert on Saturday 18th October, featuring former members of the Crypt Choir of the King’s School, Canterbury.

To commemorate the centenary of St Paul’s Anglican Church in Monaco, a special performance of Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem will be held on Saturday 18th October 2025 at 7pm. The concert will take place at the church, located at 22 Avenue de Grande Bretagne, and admission is free.

The evening’s programme will be performed by former members of the Crypt Choir of the King’s School, Canterbury — one of the most historic and musically distinguished institutions in the United Kingdom. The singers will be accompanied by James Rogers, Assistant Organist of Canterbury Cathedral.

In addition to the Fauré Requiem, the concert’s first half will include a selection of sacred and secular choral works by composers such as Anton Bruckner and Charles Villiers Stanford.

A return to Monaco by a celebrated choir

This performance marks the third time in 10 years that members of the King’s Canterbury choir have performed at St Paul’s. The King’s School, founded in 597 AD, is the oldest school in England and maintains close ties to Canterbury Cathedral, where its students regularly sing in services.

The Crypt Choir, made up of senior students and alumni, is known for its refined sound and wide-ranging repertoire, spanning early liturgical music to contemporary compositions. Their return to Monaco offers a rare opportunity for residents and visitors to hear one of England’s finest choral traditions in an intimate local setting.

The performance forms part of a wider programme of centenary events planned throughout 2025 to celebrate the enduring presence of St Paul’s Anglican Church in the cultural and spiritual life of the Principality.

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