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Day: 28 October 2025

Monaco inaugurates new honorary consulate in Warsaw to strengthen ties with Poland

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/10/2025

On 21st October, the Principality of Monaco formally opened its new honorary consulate in Warsaw, broadening diplomatic and economic engagement with Poland. The ceremony marked a milestone in the relationship between the two nations, as Monaco’s Ambassador to Poland and Germany, Lorenzo Ravano, presided over the inauguration and paid tribute to long‑standing bilateral cooperation.

Ambassador Lorenzo Ravano of Monaco, accompanied by First Secretary Andrea Colombo‑Pastorelli, represented the Principality at the event, declaring that the consulate will have jurisdiction across the entirety of Poland. The occasion was celebrated with a dinner cocktail organised by the Monaco embassy and the incoming Honorary Consul, Mr Mikołaj Pietrzak, at Warsaw’s prestigious Belvédère restaurant, located within the Orangerie of Łazienki Park.

Around 60 distinguished guests were present, among them former Justice Minister Adam Bodnar, Polish senators, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representatives of the Polish Chamber of Commerce, key players from the tech sector, and members of diplomatic and consular circles based in Warsaw.

In his address, Ambassador Ravano highlighted the longstanding diplomatic relations between Monaco and Poland, while underlining recent economic activity conducted in collaboration with the Monaco Economic Board and the Polish Chamber of Commerce, pointing to emerging synergies between the two countries. He also paid tribute to Tomasz Wardynski, who served as Honorary Consul of Monaco in Warsaw from 2008 until 2025, and whose dedication laid the groundwork for the new chapter in relations.

The new consulate reflects Monaco’s aspiration to deepen its presence in Central Europe, both diplomatically and economically. With Poland increasingly recognised for its dynamic economy and technological innovation, Monaco appears poised to build on this momentum through its Warsaw representation. The evening’s mix of diplomatic formality and informal networking mirrors that dual focus — bridging state‑level protocol with business opportunities and cultural exchange.

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Photo source: Government Communications Department 

Monaco U16 rugby squad embarks on Georgia training camp

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/10/2025

The under‑16 national squad of the Fédération Monégasque de Rugby (FMR), under the patronage of Princess Charlene of Monaco, will travel to Georgia from 27th October to 1st for a week‑long preparation camp ahead of the Dubai 7s tournament.

The 16 young players and six staff members will train at the training centre of the Georgian Rugby Union in Martkopi, a facility recognised for its high‑level infrastructure and elite‑training environment. During the camp the Monegasque side will face four Georgian teams in friendly matches on 29th and 30th October, offering valuable match play ahead of the international sevens event in Dubai at the end of November.

Broad sporting and educational focus

The programme emphasises not only sport but also team unity and international exposure. Alongside the rugby sessions, the players will engage in a first‑aid training course conducted by the Georgian Red Cross Society in partnership with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. This initiative seeks to raise awareness among the young athletes of life‑saving skills and the values of solidarity, responsibility and civic engagement inherent to sport and championed by Princess Charlène.

Strategic stepping stone

The Georgia camp marks a further step in the development of Monaco’s youth rugby. After previous international exposure — such as the U16s’ tour of South Africa in 2023 which paired sporting competition with cultural exchange — the Principality is seeking to elevate its standing through overseas preparation and events. The friendly matches in Martkopi will serve as vital preparation ahead of the end‑of‑November Dubai 7s.

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Photo credit: Denis Arslanbekov, Unsplash

Monaco-backed Ocean Innovators Platform brings sustainable finance momentum to Hong Kong

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/10/2025

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Sustainable Finance Initiative co-hosted the ninth edition of the Ocean Innovators Platform (OIP) in Hong Kong on 22nd October, bringing together more than 100 investors, entrepreneurs and conservation leaders to accelerate innovation and financing for the global blue economy.

Held at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, the event featured panel discussions, fireside chats, pitch sessions and workshops focused on scaling ocean-based solutions through impact-driven investment. The gathering aimed to foster international collaboration across finance, conservation, and technology — particularly in Asia Pacific, a region central to marine biodiversity and economic potential.

From Monaco to Hong Kong: catalysing blue economy finance

The platform is part of Monaco’s broader commitment to sustainable ocean action. “Our task is to make the ocean measurable, investible, and restorable,” said Olivier Wenden, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. “From Monaco’s shores to Victoria Harbour, we can turn ambition into tangible, regenerative growth.”

The discussions examined how innovative financing models and multi-sector partnerships can tackle threats like overfishing, plastic pollution and habitat degradation, while also unlocking new opportunities in ocean energy, sustainable fisheries, and marine conservation technologies.

Katy Yung, CEO of Sustainable Finance Initiative, highlighted Hong Kong’s position as a potential regional hub for blue finance. “With 4.2% of its GDP tied to the maritime industry and home to 25% of China’s marine biodiversity, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to be Asia Pacific’s leading hub for Blue Economy solutions,” she said. “At SFi, we’re acting as a regional bridge for investors seeking credible pathways to scale ocean impact.”

Impact and investment: key takeaways

Speakers and participants agreed that the future of ocean conservation is tightly linked to financial innovation. Key themes emerging from the forum included the alignment of conservation with economic growth, the critical role of transparency and metrics, and the need to build a diverse, collaborative financing ecosystem.

A rapid poll of attendees found strong enthusiasm for action-oriented capital deployment, though many indicated a preference for early-stage investment through grants or private equity/venture capital — pointing to a need for stronger support structures to help ocean-focused projects scale.

Entrepreneurs from ventures such as Plastics for Change, Bound4Blue, Shift4Good and Katapult Ocean Asia pitched their solutions to the audience, sparking active engagement and post-event networking interest.

Interactive workshops tackled challenges like financing ocean innovation in Asia Pacific, decarbonising marine industries, balancing conservation and community livelihoods, and using open data and AI to improve ocean health.

Building the future of the USD 3 trillion ocean economy

The Ocean Innovators Platform was launched by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation in 2022 to spotlight scalable solutions and connect innovators with investors. This latest edition underscored the Foundation and SFi’s shared belief that sustainable investment can drive meaningful environmental outcomes while delivering economic value.

With support from AVPN, the Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy and Builders Vision, the forum reaffirmed its goal of shaping a future in which the ocean’s resources are protected, measured and harnessed for long-term global prosperity.

The blue economy is forecast to contribute up to USD 3 trillion to global GDP by 2030, according to the OECD — a goal the OIP aims to support by bridging innovation, finance and leadership across borders.

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Waterproofing works begin on Quai Hirondelle rooftop terrace

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/10/2025

The Monaco Government has launched a major refurbishment of the rooftop terrace of the Quai Hirondelle building, located along Port Hercule, in a project set to run until spring 2026.

The works, overseen by Monaco’s Department of Public Works, aim to reinforce the waterproofing of the building’s roof in order to protect the structure and extend its lifespan. Improvements will also enhance protection against water infiltration and increase the comfort of those who use the facilities beneath the terrace.

Several businesses operate within the Quai Hirondelle building, including the restaurant U Luvassu, MYP, and Monaco Riviera Navigation. The premises will remain open and accessible throughout the duration of the project.

Works planned with minimal disruption

All construction activity will be carried out from the rooftop, with the worksite clearly marked and secured. The Government has confirmed that pedestrian access and business operations will not be affected by the works.

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Photo source: Government Communications Department 

Princess Charlene and chihuahua Kita to join Rokethon’s charity walk

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
28/10/2025

Princess Charlene is set to attend Monaco’s second annual Rokethon charity walk, joining participants and their dogs at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille on November 2nd to raise awareness about animal abandonment. 

Speaking at a press conference on October 27th, Rokethon president Sylvia Sermenghi outlined the association’s mission and revealed details about the upcoming event.

“What do we want to do at Rokethon? We want to give a voice to the voiceless. That’s what it’s all about,” Sermenghi explained, sharing emotional stories of abandoned animals including Shana, rejected by her owner who claimed she could no longer care for her, and Mr Jack, who lost an eye and was abandoned when his owner’s new partner didn’t want him.

The president described abandoned animals as “the wounded of abandonment” and outlined Rokethon’s ambitious long-term goal of purchasing a large property to care for elderly, abandoned, and mistreated dogs that cannot find refuge elsewhere. “An animal is a living being above all. A living being who feels things. They feel abandonment. They can suffer from it. It’s suffering,” Sermenghi said.

Princess Charlene, who participated in last year’s inaugural event, will once again join the walk with her chihuahua Kita.

“For me, it’s really a great honour, because we know her commitment to the animal cause,” Sermenghi said of the Princess’s involvement.

The team behind Rokethon’s charity run, including members of Rokethon and Woofest. Photo credit: Monaco Life. 

Event programme

The day will begin at 10am with an opening ceremony, followed by the symbolic walk around the chapiteau. Sponsors will contribute €2 for each kilometre completed, and everyone who completes the course will receive a commemorative medal. “We want to do it in a humble way. Humility really remains our watchword. Because humility allows us to have even more for the animals,” Sermenghi said.

Following the walk, there will be a fashion parade titled ‘Walk me home and love me fur-ever’, where models and dogs that are up for adoption will walk together wearing ethical creations made from ecological fur.

The ambassador from Perroton, Madrid’s major annual animal charity run, will also be attending, and will share insights from the Spanish event that inspired Rokethon’s creation.

Additionally, Lucas Bérullier, founder of Woofest, will bring interactive activities for dogs throughout the day. “We need to create emotion if we want to make things change. And we need to make things change. There’s a lot of suffering, mistreatment. And each person here, in this room, can make a small difference,” Bérullier said. He also spoke about his own evolution, noting that he once purchased dogs from breeders but has since changed his views. “We’re living proof that we can change, that we can evolve and learn things.”

Lastly, the event will also include stands from various welfare organisations, a giant tombola, and trophy presentations recognising outstanding contributions to animal welfare. Fashion photographer Toni Meneguzzo will set up a studio to capture portraits of human and canine duos throughout the day.

Registration information

All participating dogs must have identification microchips and up-to-date vaccinations for distemper, parvovirus, kennel cough, giardia, hepatitis, and parainfluenza. Dogs on the potentially dangerous breeds register may participate provided owners hold the necessary permits, liability insurance and use both muzzles and leads.

Registration details are available at www.rokethon.com or by calling 06 88 03 40 50.

With good weather forecast for November 2nd, organisers are expecting a strong turnout for an event that promises entertainment -for both owners and their loyal companions – , education, and above all, a powerful message: adopt, don’t shop.

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Main photo provided by Rokethon. 

Charles Kushner formally takes post as US Ambassador to Monaco in ceremony with Prince Albert II

by: Cassandra Tanti
28/10/2025

Monaco welcomed a new diplomatic figure on Monday 27th October, as Charles Kushner officially presented his credentials to Prince Albert II, marking the start of his tenure as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Principality.

The formal presentation took place at the Prince’s Palace in the presence of Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and was followed by a luncheon hosted by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, with Monaco’s Minister of State Christophe Mirmand receiving the Ambassador at his residence beforehand.

The event symbolised the continuation of close diplomatic ties between the United States and Monaco, with Kushner now stepping into the role as the American voice in the Principality at a time of ongoing dialogue around global cooperation, sustainability, and economic development.

From New York real estate to Monaco diplomacy

Though best known in the United States as a powerful real estate developer and philanthropist, Kushner’s background also includes significant public service and institutional leadership. He is the founder and current chairman of Kushner Companies, a major US real estate firm, and has held high-level appointments to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council as well as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Educated at New York University, where he earned both a bachelor’s degree and MBA, and holding a Doctor of Lawfrom Hofstra University, Kushner has also been recognised with honorary doctorates from Touro College and Yeshiva University. In 1999, he was named Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in New Jersey — further cementing his reputation as a figure at the crossroads of business, civic engagement, and philanthropy.

Strengthening ties on the Riviera

As he takes up his new post in Monaco, Kushner steps into a highly symbolic role — one that bridges two of the world’s most distinctive nations through diplomacy, shared interests, and soft power. With a profile that spans sectors and continents, his arrival may signal a dynamic new chapter in US–Monaco relations.

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Photo: Surrounding Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene: Charles Kushner, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to Monaco, and his wife Seryl Kushner; Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation; and Christophe Mirmand, Minister of State. Credit: Manuel Vitali, Government Communications Department