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Day: 13 November 2025

AI Monaco returns with second edition of its artificial intelligence conference at One Monte-Carlo

by: Cassandra Tanti
13/11/2025

Monaco will once again take centre stage in the global tech conversation on Saturday 22nd November, as the AI Monaco Conference returns to One Monte-Carlo for a second edition — bringing together researchers, investors, creatives and industry leaders for a day dedicated to artificial intelligence and responsible innovation.

The AI Monaco Conference, now in its second edition, is set to transform the Amphitheatre at One Monte-Carlo into a dynamic platform for cutting-edge ideas and meaningful dialogue. Running from 9am to 6pm, the event will explore the role of artificial intelligence across diverse sectors — from finance and research to gaming, education and the arts.

Organised by AI Monaco, an independent research-driven initiative, the conference is designed to act as a bridge between advanced AI research and real-world decision-making. Founder Leonardo Fabbri believes Monaco offers a unique context for this kind of exchange. “Monaco is where capital, culture and frontier technology meet,” he said. “We want to translate complex AI into actionable insight — for families, investors, institutions and beyond.”

A curated lineup of cross-sector voices

The one-day programme will feature an eclectic roster of speakers, each exploring AI from their own field of expertise. Among the confirmed participants are Manuel Bevand (PokerStars), Ian Sosso (Monte-Carlo Capital), Prof. Michelle Sisto (EDHEC), Gabriel Greco (Quintessential Capital), and Filippo Ghirelli (Investocorp).

Also joining the conversation are Silvia Andriotto (LL.M. UC Berkeley), Giada Franceschini (Boosha AI), Prof. Marco Ripani (National Institute of Nuclear Physics), playwright Geoffroy Staquet (Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo), and several Monaco-based academics and finance professionals including Prof. Gregory Gadzinski (IUM) and Thomas Rodier (Wink Charity).

Sessions will be interspersed with networking breaks, a lunch interval, and a closing segment dedicated to philanthropy, highlighting Wink as this year’s charitable beneficiary.

A growing role for Monaco in AI and sustainable finance

AI Monaco aims to position the Principality as a meaningful contributor to the future of artificial intelligence, not only as a financial hub but also as a centre of cultural and ethical reflection. “Monaco has always stood at the intersection of sophistication and foresight,” said Fabbri. “This conference is a step towards making the Principality an active part of the global AI ecosystem.”

Attendance details

Access to the conference is limited to 80 seats to encourage focused exchange. While priority is given to AI Monaco subscribers and clients, a limited number of seats will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis on the day of the event.

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Photo credit: Igor Omilaev, Unsplash

Cabaret Sans Frontières show to fund life-saving surgery for children

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
13/11/2025

A musical spectacle is scheduled to take place in Monaco next week to raise funds to provide viral operations for children from developing countries who cannot access treatment in their home nations. 

Cabaret Sans Frontières will take place at the Auditorium Rainier III on November 22nd at 7pm, with all proceeds gathered going entirely to Monaco Collectif Humanitaire, a network of Monégasque associations that brings children to the Principality, in order to receive essential medical care.

The event, which has received the High Patronage of Prince Albert II, will feature singers, musicians and performers in an evening that blends entertainment with humanitarian purpose. Meanwhile, Ferxel Fourgon, a well-known figure in Monaco, will host the show.

This year’s fundraising will cover surgery for a young girl from Benin, with organisers hoping ticket sales will stretch far enough to fund a second operation. The collective has been working since 2019 with La Chaîne de l’Espoir to support surgical interventions in Mali, Madagascar, Senegal and Burkina Faso. More than 600 children have been saved through the network.

“Every note, every smile, every ticket counts,” said Valérie Von Bredow, president of Amitiés Sans Frontières International, the association organising the concert. “This is the true strength of friendship: a connection without borders that transforms compassion into hope.”

The children treated through the programme typically require complex cardiac or orthopaedic surgery unavailable in their countries. Recent beneficiaries include two-year-old Mia from Burundi and nine year old Fayah from Madagascar, both treated at Monaco’s Centre Cardio-Thoracique.

Standard tickets cost €39, with VIP packages at €300 including reserved seating and a cocktail dinner.

Tickets can be purchased at: https://my.weezevent.com/amitie-sans-frontieres

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Main photo by Pexels.

World’s largest AS Monaco jersey collection unveiled at club’s Performance Centre

by: Cassandra Tanti
13/11/2025

Collector and lifelong fan Julien Bouron has officially entered the record books with the world’s largest collection of AS Monaco jerseys — 1,146 in total — showcased in an extraordinary display at the club’s Performance Centre.

For one day, AS Monaco’s Performance Centre took on a new identity — not as a training ground, but as a living museum of the club’s legacy. In a spectacular display, more than a thousand jerseys, all worn or match-prepared, were carefully laid out in a dramatic diagonal across the pitch, echoing the club’s iconic 55-degree design created by Princess Grace in 1960.

From vintage kits dating back to the 1950s to modern shirts worn in European clashes and cup finals, the collection offered a visual journey through AS Monaco’s footballing history.

A passion that began in Burgundy

The man behind the record-breaking collection is Julien Bouron, a Monegasque supporter from Burgundy. His love for the Rouge et Blanc began unexpectedly in March 2000, during a match between AJ Auxerre and Monaco. “That day, I fell in love… not with Auxerre, but with AS Monaco,” he said.

His collecting journey began six years later, with a jersey worn by Lucas Bernardi in a Coupe de la Ligue match. “From then on, I became fascinated by the jerseys worn by the players,” said Bouron. What began as a keepsake quickly grew into a lifelong pursuit.

Today, the collection spans 1,146 unique shirts, including iconic kits from the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Thierry Henry, Jean-Luc Ettori, Radamel Falcao and David Trezeguet.

Icons, rarities and untold stories

Each jersey in Bouron’s collection tells a story — some well-known, others less so. Among the standouts are David Trezeguet’s blue and yellow away shirt from the 1998 Champions League match against Manchester United; Ludovic Giuly’s home kit from the club’s historic 2004 Champions League run; Kylian Mbappé’s shirt from the 2016 Gambardella Cup final; and the Centenary jersey worn by Lamine Camara, who scored in stoppage time in 2024.

There are also more curious pieces, such as the jersey worn during the 1985–86 Coupe de France with a manufacturing error that reversed the famous diagonal.

Bouron’s knowledge of each piece is encyclopaedic — from the oldest, worn by François Ludo in the 1950s, to the first sponsor-adorned shirt bearing “Ignis Monaco” in 1970, and Ettori’s motocross-inspired goalkeeper jersey.

A world record confirmed

The unveiling of the collection was not just a celebration — it was also an official count. In the presence of a bailiff from SCP Fontaine Pedroni, the final tally reached 1,146 jerseys, setting a new world record.

The previous record was held by a Swiss supporter of Liverpool FC, but Bouron now holds the top spot for the largest club-specific jersey collection in the world.

“I’m very proud to see all these jerseys together,” said Bouron. “I don’t have a favourite — some are more valuable than others, but each one represents a moment in the club’s history.”

Celebrating the club’s heritage

The initiative was supported by AS Monaco, with deputy CEO Olga Dementeva praising Bouron’s dedication: “We are delighted to have supported Julien’s initiative, which allows fans to relive the rich history of AS Monaco through his collection. This isn’t just a record — it’s a tribute to the passion that defines the club.”

Parts of the collection are already on display in the VIP Lounge at Stade Louis-II during home matches, offering fans a glimpse into the club’s storied past — one jersey at a time.

See also: 

From Old Trafford glory to Champions League finals, these are the jerseys that tell Monaco’s story

All photos sourced from AS Monaco

 

As demand surges, Stelios Foundation brings vital support to France’s food banks

by: Cassandra Tanti
13/11/2025

A major donation from the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation is helping Restos du Cœur meet surging demand in the Nice region, with over 700,000 ready-to-eat meals delivered to support thousands of families across France.

On Tuesday 11th November, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation visited the Restos du Cœur food distribution centre in Nice — one of the busiest in the region — as part of a renewed effort to tackle food insecurity head-on. The visit marked a new stage in the Foundation’s commitment to helping France’s most vulnerable communities access healthy, practical meals.

In the Alpes-Maritimes, over 22,000 people now rely on the charity’s services, including 1,600 families in Nice alone. Over the past year, demand has risen sharply — up 30% — with more and more people seeking help for the first time.

730,000 meals for those who need them most

The Foundation is donating 730,000 Bonduelle vegetable cans to food banks nationwide. These meals are rich in nutrients, simple to serve, and designed for people who may not have access to a kitchen or even basic utilities.

The donation includes full logistical support — covering transport and delivery to ensure the meals are ready to be distributed straight to local families.

Community support that makes a difference

During the visit, François Chantrait, director of Restos du Cœur Alpes-Maritimes, welcomed the support, saying, “This initiative brings comfort to thousands of people in our region. It shows that support is there — and that we’re not alone in this work.”

Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou, founder of the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation, took time to meet volunteers and staff on site, thanking them for their dedication. The Foundation’s latest donation builds on several years of collaboration with Restos du Cœur and is designed to strengthen food aid networks ahead of what is expected to be a difficult winter.

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Photo courtesy of Stelios Philanthropic Foundation

Monte Carlo Comedy Film Festival returns for 22nd edition

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
13/11/2025

The 22nd Monte-Carlo Film Festival de La Comédie opened its doors on Wednesday November 12th at the Grimaldi Forum for four days of comedy cinema under the high patronage of Prince Albert II.

Ezio Greggio, the festival’s founder and director, established the event with the late maestro Mario Monicelli more than two decades ago. On Wednesday, he presented this year’s jury. Italian actress and director Claudia Gerini takes the president’s chair, while actor Franco Nero serves as honorary president.

“This festival does everyone good, and more than ever, we need positive messages,” said Gerini at the opening.

Nero, whose career spans over 250 films and 30 nationalities, reflected on cinema’s deeper purpose. “Film will continue to exist as long as people continue to dream,” he said. “Cinema is freedom – in countries without freedom, there is cinema.” The actor is set to receive a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, adding to his lifetime achievement award from the festival.

The jury also includes Spanish actress Teresa Riott and American director Daniel McVicar, best known for his role in ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’, who will oversee the short film competition.

Press Conference in Salle Camille Blanc du Grimaldi Forum, photo credit: Chiappalone-MCFF

The competition and the star-studded finale

Seven features are competing for prizes, ranging from Argentine comedy ‘Homo Sapiens?’ to Danish entry ‘The Last Viking’ starring Mads Mikkelsen. French and Italian productions round out the programme, alongside four short films in competition. All screenings are free to the public at the Grimaldi Forum’s Salle Camille Blanc.

Meanwhile, the closing gala on November 15th promises a true star line-up. Italian comedy legends Lino Banfi, Massimo Boldi and Vincenzo Salemme will receive honours, while television presenter Gerry Scotti gets a special achievement award.

Director Paolo Genovese will be recognised for his recent hit ‘Follemente’ and actress Madalina Ghenea and filmmaker Gabriele Mainetti are among the celebrities expected on stage. Pablo Reyes of Gipsy Kings will perform and accept a lifetime achievement awards for his musical legacy.

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Main photo from left to right: Daniel McVidal, Teresa Riott, Ezio Greggio, Claudia Gerini, Franco Nero. Photo credit: Chiappalone-MCFF

Monaco renews campaign to engage men in ending violence against women

by: Cassandra Tanti
13/11/2025

In the lead-up to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25th November, Monaco is once again urging men to take a visible stand against gender-based violence, with powerful messages broadcast throughout the Principality.

Now in its sixth consecutive year, the campaign — led by Fight Aids Monaco and SheCanHeCan, with support from the Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights — continues to centre male voices in the fight against violence towards women.

In 2025, the initiative expands its reach with a new digital campaign rolled out online and on every bus stop across Monaco, reinforcing a call to action for men to speak out against violence, challenge sexism, and champion equality.

From left to right: Director of SheCanHeCanVibeke Brask Thomsen, Minister of State Christophe Mirmand, and Country Chief Women’s Rights Officer, Céline Cottalorda.

Public figures lend their voices

This year, six prominent male figures from Monaco feature in short, direct video messages filmed in their professional environments. They include Christophe Mirmand, Minister of State; Thomas Brezzo, President of the National Council; Louis Ducruet, President of the Barbagiuans football club; Michelin-starred chef Marcel Ravin; record-holding free diver Pierre Frolla; and racecar driver Arthur Leclerc.

Each delivers a clear and personal message: violence and discrimination have no place in any part of society.

With production support from the Government’s Direction de la Communication, the campaign seeks to make these declarations visible and relatable — whether in government offices, sporting fields, kitchens, or classrooms.

Two Michelin starred Chef Marcel Ravin is taking part in this year’s anti-violence campaign. Photo provided

Ongoing commitment, collective action

While the concept of engaging men in anti-violence work is not new, the campaign reaffirms the importance of consistent, high-profile advocacy. “This campaign is about visibility and responsibility,” says Director of SheCanHeCanVibeke Brask Thomsen. “When men lead by example — when they speak out and act — we move closer to a Monaco where every woman and girl lives free from violence.”

The initiative also aims to show that leadership on this issue belongs to everyone — not just institutions, but individuals willing to take a stand in their own communities.

Marking 25th November with purpose

The campaign is timed to coincide with the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, observed worldwide on 25th November. In Monaco, it adds to ongoing efforts by the Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights to shape a more equal and inclusive society.

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Main photo: Freediver Pierre Frolly, photo provided