28 new Covid cases on 19 Jan. brings total to 1,240: 36 hospitalised: 16 resident + 10 in ICU: 4 resident, 114 home monitored, 1,036 recoveries, 9 deaths
CC Forum, the first major conference to be held in Monaco since the Covid health crisis began, has put sustainable investment at the forefront of discussions while proving that conferences can still go ahead safely in the Principality.
The first edition of CC Forum Monaco was held on Thursday 24th and Friday 25th September at the Fairmont Hotel under the theme of investment in sustainable development. It followed three successful forums in London and was supported by Prince Albert II of Monaco.
“The Monegasque edition of CC Forum was a tremendous success,” Max Studennikoff, Chairman and Founder of CC Forum, told Monaco Life. “We have proven to the world that the live format of conferences can be a success even under Covid circumstances. It was particularly important to hold a live edition totally dedicated to sustainability in the context of the current health and economic crises.”
The event attracted more than 500 participants and featured a diverse array of speakers including HRH Queen Diambi Kabatusuila Tshiyoyo Muata of the Democratic Republic of Congo, “The Steve Jobs of sustainability” Gunter Pauli, and billionaire Per Wimmer, who is scheduled to fly to the moon in 2021 with Sir Richard Branson.
Per Wimmer, Max Studennikoff and Prince Albert
Among the topics discussed were ‘Biodiversity: the next frontier in financial risk management’, ‘Sustainable investment in start-ups’, and ‘Rethinking the global paradigm: What are the ways of averting the disaster?’.
It was the first major conference hosted in Monaco since the Covid-19 health crisis hit.
“We were seriously thinking about postponing the event and going for a webinar format,” revealed the forum’s founder, “and even one week before our scheduled dates it was not at all certain if we were going ahead.”
In the days leading up to the forum, some high-profile speakers were forced to pull out of the event, including His Eminence Cardinal Turkson, the head of sustainability and human development at the Vatican.
But the forum still managed to go ahead, in accordance with the Monaco government’s strict health measures.
“Yes, there were challenges, but we overcame them,” said Mr Studennikoff.
The conference culminated in a black-tie gala on Friday night at the Monte-Carlo Sporting, during which Maestro Placido Domingo was awarded for his lifelong support of the victims of natural disasters.
Maestro Placido Domingo
“The world of music, often experienced only as entertainment, in recent months has instead demonstrated an enormous ability to raise awareness and to comfort people,” said Maestro Domingo, who also performed during the gala. “I am convinced that we all have a duty to preserve the world we live in, especially for future generations, because our health coincides with that of our planet.”
Stanley Johnson, the father of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, was awarded for a lifetime of environmental campaigning, although he was unable to make the ceremony.
Julian Lennon was also rewarded for his philanthropic work through his White Feather Foundation, which helps raise funds for various projects dedicated to the betterment of life for all.
HRH Queen Diambi Kabatusuila Tshiyoyo Muata of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Julian Lennon and Soprano Isabelle Kabatu
“Recently, I had the pleasure of executive producing an important film about soil regeneration called ‘Kiss the ground’ now available to view on Netflix, which offers a tangible and feasible solution to a catastrophic problem,” Julian Lennon told Monaco Life. “It is through projects like this that my hope is renewed and that our future in the natural world can be saved.”
“A highlight for me was HSH Prince Albert, CC Forum’s patron, attending the champagne reception at the black-tie gala,” said Max Studennikoff. “The Prince was very pleased with the success of the conference, which helped the Principality further enhance its reputation as one of the global centres of sustainability. We even briefly discussed the possibility of organising a Monaco Sustainability Week next year when the pandemic hopefully subsides.”
The D12 hybrid supercar by Delage, photo by Monaco Life
Another highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the D12 hybrid supercar by historic French carmaker Delage. Only 30 models of the futuristic-looking vehicle will be sold from the year 2022 for a price tag of €2 million.
The next edition of CC Forum will be held in the Middle East and its founder is confident the event will become a regular on Monaco’s calendar.
“Given the sheer amount of interest in our Monegasque edition and the warm welcome, it is safe to assume that Monaco will be another annual event on an equal footing with London,” said Mr Studennikoff. “Overall, I humbly believe that we have achieved our mission: alerting the investors’ community to the fact that urgent action needs to be taken in order to preserve the planet as we know it today for future generations. We should innovate responsibly and invest sustainably.”
National Council President Stéphane Valeri is calling on all residents and workers in Monaco to be vaccinated as soon as possible, to put a “definitive end to this terrible pandemic".
Close to 2,400 elderly residents and health workers have been vaccinated against Covid-19. The next stage begins on Tuesday, targeting people in two more vulnerable categories.
The Grimaldi Forum’s largest sponsor, CMB, has renewed its partnership for 2021, securing a world-class cultural programme for the year including the Alberto Giacometti summer expo.
Prince Albert has addressed world leaders at the One Planet Summit in France’s capital, saying that the preservation of seas and forests is the preservation of humanity.
The government has reported the death of an 87-year-old woman with Covid-19, marking the 9th coronavirus fatality in Monaco since the pandemic began and the 6th since the new year.
Monaco’s Antonio Salvatore has gained a Michelin star for the five-table fine dining restaurant he created less than 12 months ago in the middle of a worldwide pandemic.
Organisers of the 114th Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters are “hopeful” the event will go ahead in April, despite delaying ticket sales for the popular tennis tournament.
The first regatta of the year in the Principality was won by an Italian team captained by Claudia Rossi on the Petite Terrible-Adria Ferries at the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series.
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ML: How did you end up in Monaco?
DB: I grew up in Berlin, back when the Wall served as the horizon. It was there that I met my husband Thierry Boutsen and we moved to Monaco together.
ML: When did you start Boutsen Design?
DB: Ever since I was little, I’ve always loved design and exquisite objects. During art school I discovered a passion for fine tableware during an apprenticeship at the renowned porcelain manufacturer KPM in my native Berlin. Later in life I joined my husband’s company Boutsen Aviation, which specialises in selling business jets, and when a client commissioned me to outfit the entire interior of his aircraft, Bousten Design came to be in 2012. I knew this is where I could put my love of design to good use.
Thierry and I don’t work together; we are in the same industry and obviously collaborate, but our offices and teams are apart.
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ML: How do you define luxury?
DB: Luxury is a question of point of view. Sometime it’s working with beautiful handcrafted pieces and prestigious projects and sometimes it is just about spending time with family.
ML: Can you talk about your clientele and recent projects?
DB: We have a varied clientele with highly sophisticated tastes. As far as recent projects, I’m very happy to talk about the exiting collaborations I have coming up for the Monaco Yacht Show, such as bringing together under one roof the president of Boeing Business Aviation, Gregory Laxton, and Linda Pinto of Alberto Pinto Design to showcase our House of Excellence.
We are highlighting our achievements in the Aviation Industry that has naturally also extended into Yachting and Residential projects. In this way, we can advise our clients on their different projects with one seamless experience.
ML: Is designing an aircraft similar to designing a yacht?
DB: We specialise in the decorating process that compliments the interior design. Doing an aircraft is the master category because of the diligence of respecting technical issues and it requires a high knowledge about air safety regulations and also about dealing with extremely small spaces. Yachts are easier, but we still have to consider the placement aspect and sea fastenings. Residences are a breeze!
ML: What is the 4D concept?
DB: This refers to the pillars by which we can seamlessly manage and execute our bespoke services: Discover, Develop, Design, and Deliver.
ML: What are some of the current design trends you see?
DB: Lately I must say people are going for more traditional and classic styles, back to pieces and brands that have royal and empire style with history and lots of craftsmanship and details.
That’s why I am very exited to bring ODIOT to present at the Monaco Yacht Show this year. They are the perfect example of a brand with history; it’s exiting and an honour to work with brands that had commissions by Napoleon and the courts of Europe.
ML: Can someone develop an eye for design, or is it natural instinct?
DB: I think it can be both. But, for sure, there has to be a natural instinct to be able to do it well. One can learn what the famous or trendy brands are, but to bring it together there has to be a natural affinity.
ML: You host a breakfast during the Monaco Yacht Show. Do you do this every year?
DB: Indeed, it’s becoming a tradition! We do a breakfast everyday in our showroom as we find it is a great opportunity to host our clientele during these important days in the Yachting world and for them to discover the exclusive collaborations we have. Key representatives from such brands as Atelier Swarovski come to present their most important pieces. It provides an opportunity to see design pieces only available to a VIP clientele.
ML: How did you become involved with the Gustavia Yacht Club in St Barts?
DB: First let me say that the recent natural disaster that caused so much devastation in the area was completely disheartening. I am joining Stelios' efforts for St Barts and will have collection boxes at Boutsen Design events during the Monaco Yacht Show. All the donations will go towards helping people in the area. They will need it.
I love St Barts, I am a big fan. It came naturally as Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou is the commodore at Gustavia and when I was asked to become a member I jumped at the opportunity because of the connection I feel between Monaco and St Barts.
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ML: What’s the hardest part of running your own business?
DB: It’s a question of being very well organised to run a good company and have a family life. It’s not hard because I love it.
ML: What is this advantage and disadvantage of being a woman in business?
DB: I strongly believe that we should no longer make a distinction; there are challenges in any business both for women and men.
ML: What is the one app you cannot live without?
DB: My iCloud family calendar with my husband Thierry. It keeps us on the same page.
ML: You work in the world of luxury. What is luxury to you?
DB: Time with my family at home.
Article first published September 27, 2017.
[caption id="attachment_9898" align="alignnone" width="706"] Isabelle Picco, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Monaco to the United Nations. Photo: DC[/caption]
HE Mrs Isabelle Picco, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Monaco to the United Nations, took part in the debate on the theme of the oceans and the law of the sea during the UN’s 71st General Assembly, in which she restated the strong commitment of the Principality to the health of the oceans.
In her address, she pointed to the actions of Monaco in the field of combating plastic pollution and announced the creation of the Trust Fund for Marine Protected Areas in the Mediterranean, which has granted its first funding.
In addition, the role of the Monaco Science Centre and the IAEA Environmental Laboratories, in the field of ocean acidification and its socio-economic impacts, was emphasised. At the same meeting, UN Member States adopted the annual resolution on the sustainability of fisheries and proclaimed May 2 as “World Tuna Day”.
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