The Prince’s Government is widening its scheme to give a second life to digital equipment from Monaco’s schools, this time turning to teachers’ devices as they are replaced. The second phase covers more than 650 computers and tablets, with 38% of the reconditioned equipment set to be donated to disability sports clubs in the neighbouring Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region.
An initial operation had already given a second life to the computers used by pupils in the Principality’s secondary schools. The new phase turns to the equipment used by their teachers, which will be put to fresh use as it is renewed, part of an approach the government frames as combining digital transition, inclusion and responsible reuse.
A three-way partnership
The initiative has been formalised through a joint commitment between the Monegasque State, represented by the Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, the supported-employment company EVA, which specialises in sustainable IT reuse, and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Regional Olympic and Sports Committee (CROS PACA), which coordinates the region’s disability sports clubs. Under the agreement, 38% of the equipment collected will go to those clubs, giving them reconditioned tools to strengthen their organisation, keep in touch with their members and develop their activities.
Greener and more inclusive
Reusing the equipment extends its working life and reduces the need to buy new hardware, part of what the government describes as a more responsible use of resources. There is a social dimension too: the reconditioning is carried out by EVA, whose work helps bring people who are far from the job market back into employment. Through the operation, the Prince’s Government says it is confirming its commitment to more responsible digital practices while widening access to digital tools for as many people as possible.
The Espace Lamartine will reopen on Thursday 16th July after several months closed for water damage, and Monaco Town Hall is marking the occasion with three open days from 16th to 18th July. The public is invited to rediscover the venue, an intergenerational space for meeting, leisure and activities in the heart of the Principality, and to see the renovated rooms, meet the teams and hear about its year-round programme.
The centre runs a full calendar of sporting, artistic, cultural and wellbeing activities, open to Monégasques, residents and students enrolled in the Principality aged over 18. Across the three days, visitors can tour the refurbished spaces and find out about the workshops available.
The three open days
The doors open on Thursday 16th July at 2pm, with a tour of the building, a presentation of the workshops and, from 5.30pm, a musical after-work gathering and a reopening cocktail. The centre will then welcome visitors on Friday 17th July from 9am to 7pm, and on Saturday 18th July from 9.30am to 5.30pm, with continuous tours and presentations throughout both days.
The Espace Lamartine is at 19 boulevard Princesse Charlotte. More information is available on +377 93 15 45 01 or at mairie.mc.
At 20, Oban Duncan is already the youngest pilot on the E1 grid and one of the very few women racing at the top level of any motorsport without a separate category of her own. Ahead of Team Monaco’s home race on 17th and 18th July, the British powerboat champion sat down with Monaco Life’s Cassandra Tanti to talk about life in the cockpit of the all-electric RaceBird.
Oban Duncan joined Team Monaco for the 2026 season after two years racing for Team Drogba, becoming the youngest driver in the championship in the process. It has not been a straightforward start. “The season has been tough because we’re a new team and there’s still so much to learn,” she says. “I’ve been involved in E1 since the beginning, but the whole team hasn’t, so it’s taken time to get everyone up to speed.”
Despite the growing pains, she describes the experience as a privilege rather than a burden. “We’ve really enjoyed it, though. We’ve loved the challenge of building something new and fresh, which I think is exactly what E1 needed. It’s been a great learning curve. We’ve had some ups and downs in terms of results, which is a shame because the team has been performing really well. Overall, it’s been a fantastic experience.”
What drew her to Team Monaco in the first place, she says, was a simple desire for a fresh start. “I wanted to join a new team that was genuinely excited about the series and determined to succeed,” she explains, crediting team principals Maxime Nocher and Chris Taylor directly. “Max and Chris were incredibly enthusiastic from the beginning. They wanted the team to enjoy what we were doing just as much as they wanted us to perform well. That level of support from the team owners was something I’d never experienced before.”
Oban Duncan with team mate Max. Photo credit: E1 Team Monaco / Opposite Land Productions
From Loch Lomond to the world stage
Duncan’s path into powerboat racing began almost by accident, at a water safety course her parents enrolled her in as a child. “My mum and dad have always owned boats, so I’ve grown up around the water,” she says. “One day we went to a training session for children that was designed to teach water safety and how to be safe around boats, which my parents thought was really important. Afterwards they told us there was also a junior boat racing competition and suggested I give it a go. It wasn’t something my family knew anything about beforehand, but that’s really where everything started.”
What followed was a rapid rise through the sport. “From there it just snowballed. The more people you meet, the more opportunities come along, and it’s been a complete whirlwind ever since. I still can’t quite believe I’m here racing in E1 with Team Monaco. It feels crazy, but it’s amazing.”
That early experience on traditional boats, she says, has proved unexpectedly useful in adapting to the RaceBird, E1’s electric hydrofoiling racer. “My boating background has definitely helped with the RaceBird. There are a lot of similarities between these boats and the ones I’ve raced before, although there are also plenty of differences. We’re all still learning about the boats, but having that experience on the water has really helped me get the most out of the RaceBird.”
Team Monaco competing in Jeddah. Photo credit: E1 Team Monaco / Opposite Land Productions
Flying on foils
Even with that background, she says nothing fully prepared her for foiling. “Traditional race boats don’t use hydrofoils, so that’s probably the biggest difference. Driving on foils was a completely new experience for me. Max had previous experience with foiling boats, but I hadn’t, so there was a lot to learn.” The electric powertrain added another layer entirely. “The batteries, the electrical systems and the way the boat behaves are all very different from conventional powerboats.”
Now in the championship’s third season, Duncan says the boat still has secrets to reveal. “There are characteristics unique to the E1 RaceBird that you simply don’t find anywhere else. Even though we’re now in the third season, we’re still learning new things about the boat that we’ve never experienced before.” She is conscious of how rare her vantage point is. “That’s one of the reasons it’s such an exciting project to be involved in. Very few people in the world can say they’ve had the opportunity to drive one of these boats.”
On raw speed, Duncan puts the team’s fastest recorded mark at around 98 kilometres an hour, while stressing that velocity is not really the point. “There are certainly boats that go faster, but there aren’t many that can do it while being fully electric and as sustainable as we are. I think that’s a really important point.” She is matter-of-fact about the risks involved in racing this close to the limit. “The racing is still exciting, and the faster you go, the more dangerous it becomes. There’s a balance to strike between performance, safety and creating great racing. I don’t think the speed limits the competition in any way.”
Photo credit: E1 Team Monaco / Opposite Land Productions
A heartbreaking near-miss in Dubrovnik
Team Monaco’s most recent outing, in Dubrovnik, brought the season’s sharpest disappointment. Running in podium position early in the final, the team’s hopes unravelled when rough water tore the screen cover from Duncan’s boat. “On the first straight we were right up there and the boat was performing really well. Then we hit a big wave. The conditions were extremely rough and, when we landed, the tear-off came off the screen, allowing a lot of water into the battery bay, which obviously isn’t ideal.”
She managed to keep racing for a short time before the call came to retire. “There was a fault somewhere in the high-voltage system and everything was starting to overheat. The electrical systems weren’t happy, so we had no choice but to stop.” The result still stings. “It was a real shame because I genuinely think we had a podium within our grasp. Hopefully we’ll save that result for Monaco instead.”
Asked whether Monaco’s home waters will be kinder than Dubrovnik’s, Duncan is careful not to make promises the sea cannot keep. “It depends entirely on the conditions. Monaco can be perfectly flat and provide fantastic racing, or it can be just as rough as Dubrovnik. You never really know until race weekend arrives. It can be one of the best places to race, but it can also be incredibly challenging depending on the weather and sea state.”
Photo credit: E1 Team Monaco / Opposite Land Productions
Racing for something bigger than results
Prince Albert II’s presence at the season-opening race in Jeddah, and his long-standing commitment to ocean conservation through his Foundation, clearly weighs on Duncan as more than ceremonial backing. “It was amazing to have the Prince there in Jeddah. It showed how seriously he takes the project and how much he wants the team to succeed,” she says. “I think it meant a great deal to everyone in the team to meet him. It also reminded us that we’re representing something much bigger than simply racing boats. We’re representing a cause that’s very close to the Prince’s heart, and we want to demonstrate that we’re doing the very best we can, both on and off the water.”
That sense of purpose extends to the wider mission of electric motorsport, which Duncan sees as proof that performance and sustainability are not in conflict. “It’s proving that people can still enjoy all the excitement of racing while reducing the impact on the environment, and I think that’s incredibly important.”
Levelling the playing field
E1’s requirement that every team field both a female and a male pilot, sharing equal driving duties, has placed Duncan at the centre of one of motorsport’s more meaningful experiments in equality. She is unsentimental about what that means in practice. “I’ve always wanted to be seen as equal to the guys, but the reality is there simply aren’t as many women competing. Personally, though, I’ve always wanted to beat everyone I’m racing against. It doesn’t matter who they are, but when you’re often the only woman in a class, it does make you even more determined to prove yourself.”
Watching the racing itself, she says, makes the point better than any statistic could. “When you’re watching the racing you can’t tell the difference between who’s in the boat. That’s exactly how it should be, and I’m really proud to be part of that.”
Asked what she would tell young girls in Monaco who might dream of following her path, she answers: “The biggest piece of advice I’d give is not to be afraid to talk to people. Sometimes that’s the hardest step, but if you’re interested in something, ask questions. Show people you’re excited and that you want to learn. In today’s world, people aren’t going to look down on you for asking. If anything, they’ll be much more willing to help because you’ve shown genuine interest. If you want to do something, just go and do it.”
Photo credit: E1 Team Monaco / Opposite Land Productions
Eyes on the podium
With the season roughly halfway through, Duncan’s ambitions for the Monaco weekend have not shifted despite Dubrovnik’s setback. “The plan was to get a podium in Dubrovnik and then win in Monaco. Unfortunately Dubrovnik didn’t work out the way we’d hoped, but the goal for Monaco hasn’t changed. We’re still aiming for the top step.”
Looking further ahead, she sees both the series and her own career still gathering momentum. “I see E1 continuing to expand by bringing in more countries, more venues and greater awareness of what the championship can achieve. I hope more people invest not only in the sport itself but also in everything it stands for, particularly sustainability and gender equality. We’re not just another sports team. We’re trying to represent something much bigger and make a positive impact beyond racing.”
Monaco welcomed close to 6.7 million visits in 2025, generating almost €1.4 billion in direct visitor spending, according to a survey published on Tuesday by the Monaco Statistics Institute (IMSEE) and the Directorate of Tourism and Congresses (DTC).
Of the 6.7 million visits recorded, 92.5% were made by day-trippers who came to discover the Principality without staying the night, while 7.5% were tourists spending at least one night. Together they accounted for 9.3 million days of presence and more than 1.4 million overnight stays. Tourists stayed an average of 3.8 days, against 1.2 for day-trippers, and hotels remained the accommodation of choice, accounting for more than seven stays in ten.
Tourists drive the sector
Although overnight tourists made up just 7.5% of all visits, they alone generated 61.4% of the sector’s economic impact, a finding that points to the value of a high-spending international clientele alongside the nearby visitors who form the bulk of the numbers.
“Our ambition is not to welcome ever more visitors, but to attract more tourists who generate strong added value for the Monegasque economy,” said Guy Antognelli, Director of Tourism and Congresses. “Everything the Directorate of Tourism and Congresses does follows this logic of qualitative, sustainable growth.”
According to the report, a day-tripper spends an average of €76 a day in Monaco and a tourist €348, figures that rise to €85 and €1,670 respectively when measured across an average visit. Visitors from the Near and Middle East spent the most, topping €1,000 per person per day during their stay. In all, direct visitor spending reached almost €1.4 billion in 2025, equivalent to 6.8% of the Principality’s total turnover excluding the financial and insurance sector.
A loyal and international clientele
Nearly one visit in two was made by someone living in France, the destination’s main nearby market. Overnight tourists, though, showed a far more international profile, with 42% of their stays made by visitors from outside the European Union. Couples were the most common type of visitor, at 37%, ahead of families at 32.7%, and leisure and holidays were the leading reason to come, behind close to 95% of trips. Most visitors reached Monaco by car or rental vehicle, at 42.6%, or by train, at 33.3%, while those staying in the Principality got around mainly by taxi, at 34.8%.
Íñigo López de la Osa Franco has just ridden in front of a home crowd at the Longines Global Champions Tour in Monaco, one of the most technically demanding stops on the international show jumping calendar. The first Monégasque male rider ever to reach this level of the sport, he spoke to Monaco Life about what competing at home means to him, the bond between horse and rider, and the message he hopes to send to the next generation of Monégasque athletes.
Few show jumping arenas demand as much precision as Monaco’s. Built between the Formula 1 pit lane and Port Hercule beneath the Prince’s Palace, its compact layout leaves little room for error. For Íñigo López de la Osa Franco, however, it also means competing at home.
“Competing in Monaco is always incredibly special because it means representing my country, my home, and the place where I grew up. As a Monegasque athlete, wearing my country’s colours in front of my family, friends, and home crowd is a real source of pride,” said López de la Osa Franco. “I’m also deeply grateful to H.S.H. Prince Albert II for the trust and support he has always shown me. Having the opportunity to represent Monaco at this level is a privilege that motivates me to give my very best every time I step into the arena.”
Íñigo López de la Osa Franco with Simon Delestre at the International Jumping Monte-Carlo. Photo credit: VSMedia.Equestrian and Horseframes
From Spain’s youth teams to Monaco’s flag
Born in Monaco to a Spanish father and an Italian mother, López de la Osa Franco first rode for Spain in youth Nations Cups before taking up the Monaco Olympic Committee’s invitation to compete under the Principality’s flag. He represented Monaco at junior and young rider European Championships between 2021 and 2024, and trains in France under Simon Delestre, a former world number one, and his father Marcel Delestre. After making his Global Champions League debut in 2025 with the Stockholm Hearts, he joined the Monaco Aces this season as the team’s Under-25 rider, alongside names such as the Swedish Olympic medallist Peder Fredricson.
He points to steady work rather than a single moment as the reason his results have climbed.
“I’ve always given my all in every competition and every training session. I’ve always believed in myself and in my horses. The work we’ve done, and continue to do, is paying off,” said López de la Osa Franco. “Over the past year, I’ve become more aware of my abilities and my potential, and that has helped me achieve some excellent results.”
Chief among them was an eighth place in the Grand Prix at the Mexico City leg in April, riding Nascar Van’t Siamshof, a result that left him the youngest rider in the top ten of the overall standings.
Íñigo López de la Osa Franco competing in Monaco. Photo credit: VSMedia.Equestrian and Horseframes
Learning from the best
The Global Champions circuit, often called the Formula 1 of show jumping, puts him among the world’s leading riders week after week.
“I never stop learning. I’m still young, and I know there’s so much I can learn from my more experienced colleagues. That’s an important part of growing,” said López de la Osa Franco. “As an athlete, I try to mature and improve every single day.”
With the Monaco Aces sitting sixth of the seventeen teams in the league, there is plenty still to play for. “We don’t want to give up now, we are looking forward to the future. There are still seven stages left before the Riyadh Super Cup,” he said, referring to the league’s season finale, before adding of his home stop: “Monaco? It’s always a fantastic competition, well organised and full of enthusiasm.”
The bond with his horses
Ask him about the partnership at the heart of the sport and his affection shines through.
“It’s absolutely fundamental. I have a special relationship with each of my horses, and that relationship is different with every one of them. It’s something you feel deep inside—it’s difficult to explain,” said López de la Osa Franco. “It’s a genuine and authentic bond that no one from the outside can influence.”
A World Championship in his sights
The season builds towards a landmark. López de la Osa Franco has qualified for the Show Jumping World Championship at Aachen, in Germany, this August, and is set to become the first Monégasque rider ever to compete at one.
A message to young Monégasques
For a Principality with a proud sporting culture but few athletes at the very top, he hopes his rise can point a way forward.
“I’d love to see more Monegasque athletes representing our country at the highest level in the future, competing in the world’s biggest events. My message is simple: never stop believing in yourself,” said López de la Osa Franco. “The pride of representing your country should be the motivation that never allows you to give up.”
The Principality is set to host Monaco Méditerranée this coming weekend, a two-day event transforming the Galerie Diaghilev at the Grimaldi Forum into a vibrant showcase of regional creativity and craftsmanship. Running from Saturday 11th July to Sunday 12th July, the exhibition positions itself as a central hub for those seeking to engage with authentic Mediterranean lifestyle and design.
Organisers have structured the event into four distinct villages, each designed to highlight a different aspect of regional identity. The ‘Fashion and Lifestyle’ section offers attendees a look at exclusive collections and artisan-made accessories, with a focus on how designers are blending heritage with contemporary trends. Complementing this, the ‘Art and Craftsmanship’ village features handcrafted pieces and contemporary works, creating a space where visitors can meet the creators behind the objects.
‘Gastronomy’ serves as another pillar of the event, with a dedicated area for tastings and culinary workshops. The programme aims to bridge the gap between local producers and the public, offering a chance to explore high-quality flavours from across the region. Rounding out the experience is the ‘Culture village’, which will host a series of talks, performances, and exhibitions aimed at exploring the diversity of Mediterranean history and modern cultural output.
Supporting a charitable goal
While the event highlights aesthetics and trade, it also maintains a philanthropic focus. Admission to the exhibition is set at €5, with all proceeds donated directly to the Association les Amis du Liban.
The event is open to the public on Saturday 11th July from 10am until 8pm, and on Sunday 12th July from 10am until 7pm. With its emphasis on direct dialogue between creators and the public, the show aims to cement its reputation as a key fixture on the Monaco summer social calendar.
