2023 marks an important year of celebrations in the Principality, including Monaco’s admission to the United Nations 30 years ago. This is how it all began.

On 28th May 28 1993, the Monegasque flag was hoisted for the first time in front of the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The Principality of Monaco had become the 183rd Member State to join the international organisation.

The candidacy was supported by Prince Rainier III, who said at the time: “This day will obviously remain an important date in the already long history of our country, because it is the certainty of its future”.

The ceremony for raising the flags of Monaco and Eritrea, which joined the organisation at the same time as the Principality, took place in the presence of the Secretary General of the United Nations at the time, Boutros Boutros-Ghali. Monaco was represented by its Minister of State Jacques Dupont, accompanied by his Chief of Staff Denis Ravera, and the Secretary General of the Ministry of State, Rainier Imperti.

Prince Albert takes the lead at the UN

At the podium of the United Nations on 7th September 27 1993, Hereditary Prince Albert spoke for the very first time on behalf of the Principality of Monaco before all the Member States and organisations present at the 48th session of the General Assembly. Appointed Head of the Monegasque Delegation by his father, he has taken part in these international meetings on a regular basis for 30 years.

Created the same year, the Permanent Mission of Monaco has seen a succession of four Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives to the United Nations: Jacques Boisson from 1993 to 2003, Michel Borghini from 2003 to 2004, Gilles Noghes from 2004 to 2009 and Isabelle Picco since 2009.

Monaco’s United Nations missions

The Ambassador is currently assisted in their missions by four diplomats. Under the impetus of Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Permanent Mission of Monaco makes the voice of the Principality heard and defends global issues, foremost among which is sustainable development, in particular the protection of the oceans and the law of the sea, human rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment, and sport for development and peace. Monaco has been elected Vice-President of the General Assembly three times (54th, 68th and 75th session) and has also served on numerous United Nations bodies.

On 19th June 2023, to celebrate this important anniversary, the Permanent Mission of Monaco to the United Nations is organising a concert by the Orchestra of the Prince’s Carabinieri of Monaco in the heart of the emblematic hall of the General Assembly of the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Monaco is also represented by Ambassadors to the UN Offices in Europe, in Geneva by Carole Lanteri and Vienna in by Lorenzo Ravano.

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Main photo: Prince Rainier III in 1995 speaking at the 50th anniversary of the United Nations, credit: Greg Kinch. Written by Monaco Life with press release.