The Monaco Government has announced the launch of Invest Monaco, a rebranding of its existing Cellule Attractivité that signals a more ambitious approach to positioning Monaco as a destination for international talent, residents and investment.
The new identity is designed to give greater visibility to the government’s attractiveness policy and to serve as a clearer point of entry for entrepreneurs, investors and businesses looking to establish themselves in the Principality. Invest Monaco will take on responsibility for accompanying individual projects, promoting Monaco internationally, animating economic networks and identifying new development opportunities.
A single point of entry for investors and talent
The launch comes as competition between international financial and economic centres continues to intensify. The government argues that Monaco’s combination of institutional stability, quality of life, international openness and capacity for innovation gives it a distinctive offer — one that Invest Monaco is now tasked with communicating more effectively.
Ludmilla Raconnat Le Goff, the delegate responsible for attractiveness to the Minister of State, said the rebranding reflected a broader conviction about how attractiveness policy needs to work. “In an increasingly competitive international environment, attractiveness cannot be improvised. It is built, cultivated and developed over time. Monaco has exceptional assets and a unique model built on stability, excellence, innovation and quality of life. Our responsibility is to make this reality better known, to support those who choose the Principality and to create the conditions for new successes for the benefit of the country.”
Three objectives, one mandate
Invest Monaco’s mandate covers three complementary objectives: attracting new talent, residents and investors; supporting the development of high-value-added businesses and activities; and strengthening Monaco’s visibility and influence on the international stage.
The Monaco Economic Board (MEB) has signaled a new era of cooperation with Switzerland, hosting a high-level delegation at MonacoTech on Friday 29th May to map out a more formalised economic alliance between the two nations.
The summit served as the crescendo to a national roadshow aimed at identifying tangible business opportunities, drawing together key institutional players including the France-Switzerland Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Swiss Business Hub France. For the 60 Monegasque entrepreneurs in attendance, the event offered more than just networking—it provided a blueprint for closer integration.
Beyond cultural ties
“Why haven’t we achieved more together, given how much we have in common and the potential to build?” a Swiss participant noted during a networking dinner preceding the event. Guillaume Rose, CEO of the Monaco Economic Board, opened the session by validating this sentiment, framing the current shift as a transition from historical friendship to high-value economic synergy.
The gathering follows a reciprocal economic mission to Switzerland last March, signaling a concerted effort to move beyond surface-level relations. High-level representation underscored the importance of the summit, with Christophe Vauthey, Consul General of Switzerland in Marseille and Monaco, and Luca Comparato, Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Monaco, both present to explore how the two jurisdictions can leverage their complementary strengths.
Lessons in innovation
Much of the day’s discourse centered on what Monaco can learn from Switzerland’s economic architecture. Consul General Vauthey highlighted Switzerland’s consistent top-tier ranking by the World Intellectual Property Organisation, pointing to the nation’s robust infrastructure, legal certainty, and transparent tax environment as essential pillars of its global success—qualities that resonate strongly with the Principality’s own development goals.
The event also delivered practical market intelligence. Attendees participated in intensive round-tables and case studies focusing on the realities of regulatory compliance and cross-border market entry.
A notable highlight was the participation of GaiaTech, a Swiss start-up currently embedded in the MonacoTech accelerator. Their operational presence in the Principality served as a live case study of the potential for ecosystem integration, demonstrating how Swiss innovation can thrive when paired with Monaco’s unique business environment.
A foundational step
With 1,300 Swiss nationals currently residing in the Principality—forming Monaco’s fourth-largest foreign community—the human infrastructure for this partnership is already well-established. But the clear goal is no longer merely to maintain cultural ties, but to formalise a high-value economic corridor that could redefine the business landscape between the two territories in the coming years.
Prince Albert II inaugurated the 2026 Environmental Photography Award exhibition on the Promenade du Larvotto on Thursday 28th May, presenting diplomas to the winning photographers in person before the show opened to the public.
Thirty-six photographs are on display until 30th July, selected from this year’s edition of the award — an initiative of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation designed to harness the power of documentary photography in raising awareness of environmental issues.
The laureates
Britta Jaschinski was named Environmental Photographer of 2026, winning the Changemakers category for her image Handprint on Sea Turtle. Fernando Faciole took the Humanity versus Nature category with Born for the Ocean, Fated to the Flames. Both had the opportunity to present their work to the Prince at the inauguration.
Prince Albert with Britta Jaschinski, winner of the Environmental Photographer of 2026 Changemakers category for her image Handprint on Sea Turtle. Photo source: Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco
Three further photographers from the 2026 selection were also present: Luca Eberle, runner-up in the Forests category with Predator’s Gaze; Lucas Bustamante, runner-up in the Polar Regions category with Penguin Feast and honourable mention in the Forests category with An Explosion of Colour; and Estebane Rezkallah, honourable mention in the Polar Regions category with The Early Bear.
The jury — chaired by conservation and wildlife photographer Sergio Pitamitz, a National Geographic contributor — included journalists, filmmakers and photographers specialising in fields ranging from Arctic documentation to big cat conservation.
Prince Albert II with Fernando Faciole who won the Born for the Ocean category for his work, Fated to the Flames, which documents the Incineration of shark fins after seizure in Brazil, 2025. Photo source: Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco
An anniversary edition
This year’s exhibition carries added significance as part of the Foundation’s 20th anniversary celebrations. Several panels have been integrated into the Larvotto route to trace the Foundation’s two decades of work in environmental protection, biodiversity and planetary health.
Four photographs from the 2026 edition are also on display at Monaco-Monte-Carlo station, presented by SNCF Hubs & Connexions, until September. QR codes throughout the Larvotto exhibition link to explanatory texts for each photograph, and a children’s activity booklet has been produced for families.
Romain Ciarlet, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Foundation, said: “The photographs presented at Larvotto bear witness both to the fragile beauty of the living world and to the urgency of the challenges to which we must collectively respond. In this anniversary year for the Foundation, this exhibition resonates particularly strongly with our mission: to inspire, to pass on knowledge and to mobilise in favour of a more sustainable future.”
After closing at the end of July, the exhibition will begin an international tour.
The 2026 Environmental Photography Award exhibition is open on the Promenade du Larvotto until 30 July. Further information at fpa2photoaward.org.
Main photo: Prince Albert II with Luca Eberle and his photograph Predator’s Gaze, depicting a female puma peering through the forest canopy, Costa Rica, 2023, photo source: Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco
Women of Monaco Lunch raises funds for education while spotlighting female leadership
A sold-out audience gathered in the beautiful gardens of the Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo on Tuesday 9th June for the latest Women of Monaco Lunch, an elegant afternoon that brought together philanthropy, luxury, fashion and business leadership while raising €19,300 for Monaco Aide et Présence (MAP).
Organised by Sandrine Knoell of Five Stars Events, and supported by Barclays Private Bank, the annual event welcomed entrepreneurs, executives, philanthropists and businesswomen from Monaco and beyond for what has become one of the Principality’s most anticipated networking gatherings. Set beneath the shade of the Hôtel Hermitage’s lush gardens, guests enjoyed a refined seasonal lunch while connecting with like-minded women committed to supporting both local and international initiatives.
The event sold out well in advance, underlining its growing popularity and reputation as a platform where influential women can exchange ideas, build relationships and support meaningful causes. The afternoon celebrated female entrepreneurship and leadership while raising vital funds for educational projects supported by Monaco-based charity MAP.
Fashion, jewellery and luxury partners add glamour to the event
The afternoon showcased an impressive line-up of luxury partners, including Barclays Private Bank, Breguet, Pasquale Bruni, Arije Monaco and Oriel. A highlight of the event was a fashion presentation featuring creations by Yasmina Al Jaramani and Di Iorio Monaco, with elegant gowns drawing enthusiastic applause from attendees.
Guests also had the opportunity to admire exceptional jewellery collections from Arije Monaco and Pasquale Bruni, while enjoying an elegant lunch in one of Monaco’s most picturesque settings.
The fashion show featured creations by Yasmina Al Jaramani and Di Iorio Monaco
The combination of luxury fashion, fine jewellery, elegant cuisine and the splendour of the Hôtel Hermitage gardens created an atmosphere that has become synonymous with the Women of Monaco Lunch. Reflecting this year’s floral theme, each table was beautifully adorned with fresh flowers and named after blooms such as Rose and Orchid, bringing colour and charm to the garden setting.
Guests also received a thoughtful keepsake in the form of a scented candle from Pasquale Bruni, providing a stylish reminder of an afternoon dedicated to connection, philanthropy and female empowerment.
Barclays Private Bank’s Montserrat Marchetti and Maja Frenkel, founder of Oriel Women’s Wealth Platform
Barclays and Oriel champion women’s financial empowerment
Alongside the fashion and networking, the event delivered a strong message of financial empowerment. Representing Barclays Private Bank, Montserrat Marchetti reflected on the changing definition of success and the increasingly important role women play in shaping family legacies, business decisions and wealth transitions.
“Today, success is no longer defined only by accumulation, more possessions, more titles, more visibility,” she told guests. “It is increasingly about freedom, purpose and impact.”
Marchetti described women as “bridge builders between generations, between vision and execution, between ambition and meaning”, highlighting the growing influence of women in guiding both families and businesses through periods of change.
Maja Frenkel, founder of Oriel Women’s Wealth Platform, continued the discussion by exploring the emotional and human dimensions of wealth. Speaking to an audience of entrepreneurs, professionals and family decision-makers, she argued that financial planning extends far beyond assets and investments.
“Money is never just the amount. And wealth is never just the number,” she said.
Frenkel spoke about the importance of clarity in financial decision-making and encouraged women to take an active role in discussions surrounding wealth, succession and legacy. She also stressed the importance of passing on values alongside financial assets, noting that strong families transfer meaning, purpose and responsibility from one generation to the next.
MAP launches new fundraising initiative for children in Cameroon
The charitable focus of the luncheon was presented by MAP president Donatella Campioni, who introduced the association’s latest fundraising project in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Following several years of support for educational programmes for girls in Ethiopia aimed at preventing child marriage, MAP is now helping expand a grassroots school initiative that began during the Covid pandemic.
What started with lessons delivered directly on the streets has grown into a small educational shelter serving around 100 vulnerable children. The programme focuses particularly on girls who would otherwise have limited access to education and aims to create long-term opportunities through learning.
“As you know, there are only two ways to give opportunities. One is health and second is education,” Campioni told the audience. “Even €10 changes a life.”
Watch by Breguet, necklace by Pasquale Bruni
Charity auction raises €19,300 for Monaco Aide et Présence
The afternoon concluded with a lively charity auction featuring an array of luxury items and exclusive experiences donated by event partners and supporters. Among the standout lots were a striking red sculpture by internationally renowned artist Laurence Jenkell, a four-person sea excursion aboard a Riva Monaco Boat Service vessel, an 18-carat rose gold diamond and mother-of-pearl bracelet by Arije Monaco, a framed photographic artwork entitled Cobra by Pujan Radoslaw, a Yasmina Al Jaramani gown presented during the fashion show, and a pair of black lace Di Venezia 100” heels by Di Iorio Monaco.
Bidding remained spirited throughout the afternoon, helping raise €19,300 for MAP’s educational work and ensuring that the event delivered tangible support to children and communities in need.
Combining philanthropy, luxury, fashion, entrepreneurship and meaningful discussion, the sold-out Women of Monaco Lunch once again demonstrated the strength of Monaco’s community of businesswomen and its commitment to creating positive impact both within the Principality and beyond.
Monaco’s rugby sevens team delivered an impressive performance in the opening stage of the European Championship, claiming silver in Croatia behind only Switzerland.
Returning to Europe’s second-tier division, Monaco confirmed their competitiveness at this level, delivering an ambitious style of rugby and emerging as one of the standout teams of the tournament. Despite a first-round loss, Monaco bounced back to finish second in their group and advance to a quarterfinal matchup against Hungary.
In a hard-fought 14-5 victory, the team earned a place in the semifinals against Romania, the same team that defeated them at the start of the tournament. With a united performance, Monaco claimed revenge over the Romanian team, securing a place in the final for the first time in the Trophy competition’s history.
Monaco’s final match against Switzerland proved challenging. Facing a strong and experienced team, Monaco was unable to maintain their momentum or break through offensively. Although the team fell 29-0, the tournament still marked a major success for the Principality, with Monaco securing a silver medal, second place in the overall standings, and 18 points.
The second stage of the European Championship will take place in Chișinău, Moldova later this month from 26 to 28 June. The competition will offer Monaco another opportunity to build on its momentum following a historic opening stage.
After a difficult start to Game 4 in Nanterre on Monday 8th June, Monaco’s 89-78 victory over Nanterre secured their place in the Betclic Elite finals. With the victory, Monaco closed out the best-of-five semifinal series 3-1.
Game 4 began with Nanterre coming out strong, immediately going on an 11-3 run to outplay Monaco. This energy continued throughout the quarter as Monaco’s rhythm missed the mark and they were outrebounded, with Nanterre recording 17 rebounds compared to Monaco’s 10. As only three of those 10 rebounds were offensive, Nanterre received many opportunities for second-chance points. After the first quarter, Monaco trailed Nanterre 24-17. However, an Elie Okobo buzzer-beater to close the opening quarter appeared to spark momentum for the Roca Team.
Fortunately for Monaco, an 11-3 run in the opening minutes of the second quarter, this time favoring the Roca Team, helped Monaco claim the lead. Improved rebounding and far more efficient shooting helped Monaco establish control, allowing the Roca Team to extend their lead heading into halftime up 12 points.
The third quarter saw Nanterre challenge Monaco further, capitalizing on mistakes that began resurfacing as they chipped away at the lead, reducing things to a one-possession game 7 minutes into the second half. However, a timeout for Monaco allowed the team to regroup and respond quickly to halt Nanterre’s momentum.
Although Nanterre came out with an aggressive style of play in the final quarter, it was not enough as Monaco had taken control of the game. Nanterre left everything on the court, knowing their season would come to an end without a comeback, but it was not enough to overcome the Roca Team. Monaco remained victorious over Nanterre 89-78.
Elie Okobo and Matthew Strazel made up over half of the team’s points with 24 and 21 points respectively, while Alpha Diallo led Monaco on the glass with 8 rebounds. Looking ahead, the team will now face the winner of the Paris-Cholet semifinal in the Betclic Elite finals.
