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Month: October 2025

Princess Charlene unveils Monaco’s new police dog unit

by: Cassandra Tanti
29/10/2025

Princess Charlene officially presented the Principality’s newly established K9 Unit on Monday 27th October, during a ceremony held at the recently renovated headquarters of the Public Security Department (Sûreté Publique). 

The Princess was joined by her brother Gareth Wittstock, along with Lionel Beffre, Minister of the Interior, Éric Arella, Director of Public Security, and members of the state’s senior leadership and Monegasque dignitaries.

A unit born from Princess Charlene’s initiative

This new canine brigade was created at the end of 2024 within the Urban Police Division, a project initiated and supported by Princess Charlene herself. According to the Palace, the unit reflects her strong belief in the essential role of specialised police dogs in enhancing public safety.

During her visit, Princess Charlene was given a comprehensive presentation of the unit’s mission, equipment, and working conditions. She then attended a live outdoor demonstration showcasing the operational skills of the brigade’s dog handlers and their highly trained companions.

Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Prince’s Palace

“Security is a fundamental pillar of the Principality”

In her address during the official ceremony at the Salon d’Honneur, the Princess praised the dedication and professionalism of Monaco’s public security forces.

“Security is one of the fundamental pillars of the Principality,” she said, adding that the creation of the new K9 unit is a direct response to the evolving methods and technologies required to safeguard Monaco.

Princess Charlene also commended the new partnership between the Public Security Department and the Monaco Society for the Protection of Animals (Société Protectrice des Animaux de Monaco), of which she is president. Thanks to this collaboration, the dogs of the K9 unit will be housed at the Peille shelter whenever their handlers are temporarily unavailable.

Photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Prince’s Palace

Ceremony concludes with official honours

The ceremony concluded with Princess Charlene personally presenting police ID cards and insignia patches to the unit’s dog handlers — a gesture symbolising the formal recognition of this new and specialised branch of Monaco’s security services.

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Main photo credit: Frédéric Nebinger, Prince’s Palace

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-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

Charles Kushner, the billionaire real estate developer and influential patriarch of one of America’s most politically connected families, was formally welcomed to Monaco on Monday 27th October as the new United States Ambassador to the Principality. In a ceremony at the Prince’s Palace, Kushner presented his credentials to Prince Albert II, marking the start of a high-profile diplomatic chapter for a figure better known for his presence in Manhattan boardrooms and behind-the-scenes politics.

Flanked by Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Monaco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and received earlier in the day by Minister of State Christophe Mirmand, Kushner presented his credentials to Prince Albert II in a protocol that sealed his dual appointment — not only to Monaco, but also to the French Republic.

The ceremony was followed by a luncheon hosted by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, signalling the Principality’s recognition of Kushner’s arrival and the continuation of strong transatlantic ties.

A powerful presence behind the scenes — and now centre stage

For many in Monaco and beyond, the name Charles Kushner may carry as much weight for who he is as for who he raised. A billionaire real estate developer, he is the founder of Kushner Companies, one of the most recognisable family-run property firms in New York City. But globally, he is best known as the father of Jared Kushner, senior advisor and son-in-law to President Donald J. Trump, who returned to the White House in January 2025 for a second term.

Kushner’s influence in American political and business circles is well-established — though not without controversy. In 2005, he was convicted on charges including tax evasion and witness tampering, serving a brief prison sentence before being pardoned by President Trump in December 2020. That pardon reignited public debate in the US, with critics calling it an example of political favouritism, while supporters saw it as the closing of a chapter long behind him.

Now, at 71, Kushner takes on a new public role — representing the United States in one of Europe’s most exclusive and strategically symbolic nations.

A unique diplomatic post, at the crossroads of power and prestige

The Monaco ambassadorship, though small in geographic scope, holds cultural and economic significance. From luxury and finance to sustainability and soft diplomacy, Monaco offers a platform for influence well beyond its borders. The fact that this role has been entrusted to a figure like Charles Kushner is both a nod to his status and a reflection of the close-knit network of American political power.

Educated at New York University (BA and MBA) and holding a Doctor of Law from Hofstra University, Kushner has also received honorary doctorates from Yeshiva University and Touro College. Beyond business, he has served on the United States Holocaust Memorial Council and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and is known for his philanthropic contributions, particularly within the Jewish-American community.

The Kushner brand abroad

As Ambassador to Monaco — and simultaneously to France — Kushner enters European diplomacy as both a political appointee and a global brand name. His family’s continued proximity to the Trump administration, through Jared’s senior advisory role, ensures that Charles Kushner’s actions abroad will carry weight back in Washington.

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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