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Day: 10 December 2025

Grimaldi Forum wins accessibility award for disabled visitor programmes

by: Cassandra Tanti
10/12/2025

The Grimaldi Forum has won Monaco’s 2025 Handipact Trophy, with judges highlighting the venue’s work making its summer ‘Colours!’ exhibition accessible to blind, deaf and disabled visitors.

Sylvie Biancheri, the Grimaldi Forum’s General Director, collected the award on 3rd December during the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Paralympic blind football champion Gaël Rivière, who now heads the French Handisport Federation, attended the ceremony.

Tactile displays added after visitor feedback

The award specifically recognised programmes developed for the Centre Pompidou exhibition between July and August. After hosting a tour for blind and visually impaired visitors organised by association ARRIMAGE on 22nd July, the Grimaldi Forum permanently added tactile 3D reproductions and Braille labels to the exhibition.

The tour had featured audio descriptions and an immersive space designed to help participants “feel and hear colours”. Following positive feedback, staff decided to make these accessibility features available to all visitors for the remainder of the exhibition’s run.

Several disability associations brought groups to specially designed visits. AMAPEI organised sensory exploration sessions for 15 participants on 21st July. Monaco Disease Power arranged tours combining visual and olfactory experiences for teenagers and young adults with Down syndrome on 23rd July. Happy Hand brought 12 participants with various disabilities for multisensory visits on 27th August.

Part of broader government initiative

The Handipact Trophy forms part of a wider government policy led by the Department of Social Affairs and Health to recognise organisations demonstrating strong commitment to accessibility. Government Counsellor-Minister Christophe Robino oversees the policy, with implementation by Disability Delegate Lionel Galfré.

The Grimaldi Forum already maintains ISO 14001 and ISO 20121 certifications and offers standard accessibility features including wheelchairs, connecting lifts, adapted restrooms and induction loops for hearing aid users. The venue developed the enhanced programmes for the summer exhibition with support from official partner CMB Monaco.

Biancheri said the award would encourage further development of inclusive programmes. “We firmly believe that culture must be accessible to everyone, without exception,” she said.

The recognition comes as Monaco pushes cultural institutions to go beyond minimum accessibility requirements, with the government encouraging venues to create tailored experiences for disabled visitors rather than simply ensuring physical access.

See also: 

Interview: Gaël Rivière on sport as “a weapon of mass inclusion”

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Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti

 

Football: Monaco’s academy hammer Galatasaray to secure Youth League progression

by: Luke Entwistle
10/12/2025
Ouamr Konaté engaged in a duel during Monaco's Youth League match against Galatasaray

AS Monaco’s academy side confirmed their place in the next round of the UEFA Youth League thanks to an emphatic 5-0 win over Galatasaray on Tuesday afternoon.

It was a game of two halves at the end of a League Phase of two halves. Defeats against Club Brugge, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur put Monaco’s academy on the back foot. Their chances of qualification Round of 16 looked slim, but wins against Bodo/Glimt, Pafos, and Galatasaray have ensured their progression.

Depending on results elsewhere, a point may have been enough for Djimi Troaré’s men, but a win would have brought certainty. In that context, Troaré said he felt “nervousness” from some of his players in the first half. “It is a young team in a game that we had to win,” added the manager of the Monaco academy, who was not bowled over by the performance of his young side. “Honestly, there is still a lot of work to do,” he said.

But there is a base to work from and crucially, heading into the knockout phase, momentum, following three wins on the bounce. A timid first half gave way to a more dynamic and exciting second. Oumar Konaté had been the most enterprising of the Monégasques in the opening 45 minutes, and he earned the penalty in the 53rd minute, which was not converted by Joan Tincres.

Monaco’s Samuel Nibombe. Photo credit Luke Entwistle/ Monaco Life

But when Konaté was brought down again less than 10 minutes later, it was Pape Cabral, who has earned minutes for the senior side this season, who stepped up and didn’t repeat his teammate’s mistake. Confidence oozed, and the goals began to flow. Yannick Dodo benefited from the Galatasaray goalkeeper’s spill from a corner to poke home from close range, and then just four minutes later, Monaco had a third through Konaté, the benefactor of some more poor goalkeeping, after Aladji Bamba’s shot was palmed straight into his path.

Nibombe makes Monaco return following heart attack

Konaté then turned provider for Tincres, who did get on the scoresheet following his earlier penalty miss, heading home from close range. Dodo rounded out the scoring with another simple tap-in, with Galatasaray in complete disarray. Samuel Nibombe then came on in the closing stages, making his first Youth League appearance since suffering a heart attack in the Challenge Éspoirs final back in May.

“[His return] was something that we were preparing for since we found out that he could play football again, because there was uncertainty about that. It is nice to see Sam back on the pitch,” said Traoré.

Nibombe is a player who has trained with the first team, has experience around the senior side, and there are great expectations for him. The same goes for Cabral and Bamba, both of whom were drafted into the first team due to the abating injury crisis. Their returns have made a big difference for Traoré’s side in the past two games, and they will certainly be key if Monaco are to continue progress in this season’s Youth League.

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Photo source: AS Monaco

Monaco’s new Médiathèque Caroline opens with dedicated study space

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
10/12/2025

After 15 years of planning, Monaco inaugurates Médiathèque Caroline combining library, music, video and games collections in 2,500 square metres with dedicated student study room.

The long-anticipated, 2,500-square-metre space brings together the Principality’s library, video and music collections, children’s library, and games library under one roof.

First Debuty Mayor Camille Svara, who oversees the Médiathèque, described the project as more than just a building. “It’s a unifying project, a space designed for all audiences, for all uses, in the service of knowledge, social connection, and creativity,” she said.

Espace Honore II, which houses the new Médiathèque Caroline, photo by Monaco Life.

A long-awaited study room

Among the facility’s features is the Louis Notari room, which addresses a persistent request from students. For years, young people in Monaco have sought a quiet place for concentrated work and research. The dedicated room now provides exactly that: a silent environment separate from the busier areas of the building.

Prince Albert II and Princess Caroline with Mayor Georges Marsan and officials during Wednesday’s official opening ceremony

The study room forms part of a broader area of spaces designed for different uses. There’s a digital training room for learning new technologies, a workshop area for creative activities, and an atrium where visitors can gather or have a meal. An auditorium with 118 seats and two wheelchair spaces is also in the Médiathèque and will host film screenings, conferences, and concerts.

The Louis Notari study room, photo by Monaco Life.

Collections and services

The Médiathèque houses 200,000 items across all formats. Membership remains free and now includes unlimited borrowing for three weeks (except video games).

The team of 36 staff members will manage 80 seating spaces throughout the building and coordinate around 300 events annually.

Inside the Médiathèque, photo by Monaco Life

Open 39.5 hours a week, the facility caters to various age groups with tailored spaces. Young children have adapted furniture, while teenagers can access a manga corner and video games.

The elderly and those unable to visit receive personalised assistance, including home delivery.

Space tailored for young children, photo by Monaco Life.

Digital resources have expanded too, with seven online platforms offering books, films, press, music, and training courses. The new ‘Music me’ service provides access to 15 million tracks.

The facility, located at 5 promenade Honoré II, opens to the public on Thursday 11th December at 1pm. Thereafter, it will operate every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am to 6:30pm, with a Thursday opening at 1pm.

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Main photo by Monaco Life.

 

Monaco’s National Council votes to expand mandatory childhood vaccinations

by: Cassandra Tanti
10/12/2025

Monaco’s National Council voted on 9th December to expand the list of mandatory childhood vaccinations, updating legislation that had remained unchanged since 1992.

The new law, Bill No. 1101, makes several previously recommended vaccines obligatory for children in the Principality, whilst the HPV vaccine will remain voluntary following discussions between government and elected representatives. Christophe Robino, Government Counsellor-Minister of Social Affairs and Health, presented the bill to the National Council, saying that vaccination represents one of the most effective means of protecting children’s health.

First major update in over three decades

The existing law concerning mandatory vaccination, Law No. 822 of 29 May 1970, had not been modified since 1992, creating what Robino described as a clear need for updated legislation. According to the government, vaccination has prevented thousands of deaths, reduced severe disease complications and protected Monaco’s healthcare system from unsustainable pressures.

Robino told the National Council that the list of mandatory vaccinations must be both complete and measured. “Complete, because we owe it to our children to offer the best protection. Measured, because it would be unacceptable to make obligatory a vaccination that has not proven itself,” he said.

HPV vaccine remains voluntary despite proven efficacy

The HPV vaccine generated significant discussion between government and the National Council. According to Robino, the vaccine has been used since 2006 with proven efficacy and demonstrated safety, reducing the risk of precancerous lesions or cervical cancer in women by nearly 90 per cent, whilst also preventing ano-genital warts in both men and women.

In men, HPV represents one of the main causes of oropharyngeal, laryngeal and oral cavity cancers. In France, HPV is responsible for more than 7,000 new cancer cases annually, with 30 per cent affecting men. Countries with widespread HPV vaccination have seen reductions in all cancers linked to the viral infection, with collective immunity emerging once more than 50 per cent of the population is vaccinated.

The government made the HPV vaccine free in 2024 and launched voluntary vaccination campaigns in Monaco’s schools. Robino confirmed the government intends to continue this incentive-based policy whilst remaining attentive to any evolution in European legislation on the matter.

Suspension mechanism includes 18-month limit

The bill includes a provision allowing mandatory vaccinations to be suspended by sovereign ordinance. The National Council amended this clause to specify that such suspensions would be valid for only 18 months, requiring parliamentary legislation for any extension. Robino described this amendment as entirely justified, noting that if such a situation arose, the government would need to submit a new bill rapidly and the National Council would need to adopt it within the same timeframe to avoid automatically reinstating a vaccination that had been suspended.

The government thanked elected representatives for their initiative in placing the bill on the agenda for the public session, acknowledging that voting on legislation imposing vaccinations is never straightforward, even when they are unanimously recognised as indispensable.

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Photo credit: Hyttalo Souza, Unsplash

 

Monaco National Council fast-tracks law recognising professional local journalists

by: Cassandra Tanti
10/12/2025

Monaco’s National Council has adopted legislation establishing a formal framework for recognising professional journalists in the Principality, including the creation of an official Monegasque press card issued by an independent body and protection of sources.

Bill No. 275, which was received on 24th November, debated in public session on 26th November and adopted on 9th December, aims to provide official recognition of those exercising journalism professionally in Monaco. The legislation was examined by the Legislation Commission with Jean-Louis Grinda serving as rapporteur.

Independent body to issue credentials

The new law establishes a press card system administered by an independent and joint body, creating a clear mechanism for attesting professional journalist status. According to the legislation, this credential will provide formal recognition for individuals working in journalism within the Principality.

The creation of an official press card addresses a longstanding absence of formal journalist accreditation in Monaco, bringing the Principality in line with practices in neighbouring countries where professional press cards are standard credentials for working journalists.

Protection of sources and professional standards

The legislation details fundamental principles and essential guarantees applicable to professional journalists, with particular emphasis on protection of source confidentiality. This provision enshrines in law the journalistic principle that reporters can maintain the anonymity of their sources, a cornerstone of press freedom in democratic societies.

The law also addresses employment relationships for journalists, establishing clear frameworks for professional working conditions. Ethical standards form another key component, with the legislation setting out deontological principles that professional journalists in Monaco are expected to uphold.

Penalties for fraudulent use

To prevent abuse of the system, the law includes criminal sanctions targeting fraudulent use of the Monegasque press card. These provisions aim to ensure that only legitimate professional journalists can benefit from the credential and any associated privileges or access it may provide.

The penalty regime reflects the importance of maintaining the integrity of professional journalism credentials, preventing individuals from falsely representing themselves as accredited journalists to gain inappropriate access or advantages.

Swift parliamentary approval

The legislation moved rapidly through the National Council, with less than two weeks between initial reception and final adoption. This swift progress suggests broad consensus among elected representatives regarding the need for formal journalist recognition in the Principality.

The bill now moves to the Princely Government for review and potential amendment before promulgation.

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Photo of National Council headquarters by Cassandra Tanti

 

 

Happy Birthday! Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella celebrate 11th birthday with new official portraits

by: Cassandra Tanti
10/12/2025

The Princely Palace has released new official photographs of Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella to mark their 11th birthday on 10th December.

The portraits, taken by Vanessa von Zitzewitz, include individual images of each twin alongside a touching photograph showing Jacques with his arm affectionately around his sister’s shoulders. The gesture reinforces the close bond between the siblings that has been evident throughout their childhood.

Simple birthday message from palace

The Palace accompanied the photographs with a straightforward message: “A very happy birthday to Hereditary Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, who celebrate their 11th birthday today.”

Born on 10th December 2014, the twins have grown up in the public eye, regularly appearing at official events including National Day celebrations, sporting occasions and cultural gatherings. As they enter their second decade, both continue to take on age-appropriate public roles alongside their parents, Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene.

Photo credit: Vanessa von Zitzewitz

Trusted photographer captures family moments

Von Zitzewitz has become the Princely Family’s photographer of choice for official portraits, having captured multiple images of the family over recent years, including the 2025 Christmas card released last week. The German-born photographer, who has lived in Monaco for 30 years, is known for her elegant portrait work and has photographed distinguished personalities including Pharrell Williams, Mick Jagger and Michael Schumacher.

Her work for the Princely Family consistently captures both the formality required of official portraits and the genuine warmth of family relationships, as evidenced in the birthday photographs showing the affectionate connection between the twins.

Growing up in the spotlight

As Hereditary Prince, Jacques is first in line to the Monegasque throne, whilst his twin sister Gabriella, born two minutes earlier, holds an important position within the Princely Family. Despite the formal distinction in their future roles, the siblings have consistently demonstrated a close and supportive relationship in public appearances.

The twins marked another milestone earlier this year when they both appeared in the annual Christmas card alongside their parents and Princess Charlène’s chihuahua, Harley.

See also: 

Sitting pretty: tiny Harley joins Monaco’s Princely Family for festive portrait

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Main photo credit: Vanessa von Zitzewitz