On December 3rd at the Méridien Beach Plaza, Lionel Galfré, Monaco’s Delegate for Disability, presented a review of the Handipact policy launched two years ago. The initiative was built on a fundamental principle: “Nothing about us without us”.
“We wanted voluntary, concerted action, with everyone, for the whole of society,” Galfré explained. “We’ve placed people with disabilities at the heart of our approach.”
The policy created a working group bringing together eight Monegasque associations representing different types of disability, ensuring that those with lived experience shape the initiatives that affect them.
Nine pillars of action
Over the past two years, Handipact has delivered tangible results. A bespoke 20-minute training module on disability awareness had been created and made available to all public sector employees. Meanwhile, field testing was conducted with associations and the public car parks service to ensure theoretical accessibility translated into practical reality.
In October, Monaco also launched StreetNav, a smartphone applications that Galfré described as “a kind of Waze for people with reduced mobility”. The app provides real-time information about obstacles, lifts and accessible routes through Monaco’s challenging terrain.
“Our territory is complex, hilly and constantly evolving,” Galfré noted. “It’s essential to have information updated in real time.”
Within days, another innovation will launch as well: an application identifying accessible parking spaces in real time, showing whether they’re occupied and providing geolocation. “To my knowledge, I don’t have other examples of territories doing this.” Galfré said.
The Principality has also redesigned its disability card with an internationally recognisable logo. “It’s my pass. I show it, it’s identifiable everywhere, even abroad,” Galfré explained. “It’s a tiny detail, but until you’ve experienced it, you don’t know how important it is.”
Lastly, more than 400 commercial establishments have been approached with practical guidance on improving accessibility, supported by information about government assistance and free advisory services.
International recognition
Dr Hans Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, commended Moanco’s approach via video message, noting that people with disabilities die on average 20 years earlier than those without due to health inequalities. This is why he thanked Monaco for sharing data and insights from its Handipact programme, which will contribute to the WHO’s regional progress report.
“Monaco shows that a small state can have a big impact,” Kluge said.
Handipact awards
The Handipact Trophy 2025 was awarded to the Grimaldi Forum for its attention to inclusion during the ‘Couleurs!’ exhibition created by Monegasque artist Caroline Bergonzi, while a special prize went to the Association Monégasque des Handicapés Moteurs for its investment in Handipact projects throughout 2025.
The event. marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, forms part of Monaco’s programme as World Capital of Sport 2025.
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Main photo of Lionel Galfré by Monaco Life.