With the recent opening of the Maison du Numérique, a space dedicated to educating the public on the “new technological era”, Monaco is seeking to close the digital divide and ensure its residents are up to speed on the latest developments.
On Friday 7th July, Prince Albert II of Monaco officially cut the ribbon on the Maison du Numérique – or Digital Technology House – that has found a home in the Jardins d’Apolline.
The concept came about through close collaboration between the Prince’s Government, Monaco Telecom and Monaco City Hall, and forms part of the Principality’s wider “digital transformation programme”.
Minister of State Pierre Dartout, who was present at the opening along with numerous officials representing the three backers of the project, said, “The launch of the Maison du Numérique is an important event in making digital technology accessible to everyone in Monaco. We want to ensure that everyone acquires the skills needed to keep up with the rapid pace of technological change. This is vital to the attractiveness of Monaco.”
It is entirely open to the public, with the aim of ensuring that all Monegasques, residents and employees are “equipped with the understanding and knowledge needed to use the digital products and services available in the Principality”, as explained by the government via an official communiqué.
A place for workshops and conferences
The establishment has been supplied with top-of-the-range equipment, from computers and tablets to smartphones and interactive terminals, in order to facilitate training sessions and workshops that will help bring the population up to speed on the latest tech available. A series of conferences are also set to be announced in the coming months, but residents can already meet with specialists for assistance with any digital tasks they are struggling with.
“The risk of a digital divide, across the population and especially for seniors, is a reality,” said Marjorie Crovetto, Second Deputy Mayor for Monaco. “Helping people improve how they use information and communication technology day-to-day is a top priority for us.”
Her enthusiasm for the project was echoed by Martin Peronnet, Chief Executive Officer of Monaco Telecom: “As a telecommunications company, our role is about more than just connectivity. With the opening of the Maison du Numérique, our mission is to support people in this transition, providing them with the tools, knowledge and confidence needed to thrive in this new technological era.
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Photo credits: Manuel Vitali / Monaco Communications Department