The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Gere Foundation have signed an agreement to explore joint initiatives in environmental protection and planetary health.
The memorandum of understanding was signed in Monaco on Saturday 19th September by Romain Ciarlet, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Prince Albert II Foundation, and Ana Buitrago, President and CEO of the Gere Foundation, in the presence of actor and humanitarian Richard Gere.
The agreement does not yet establish a specific project or funding commitment. Instead, it creates a framework through which the two organisations can identify areas of common interest, share knowledge and expertise, promote environmental initiatives and draw on their respective international networks.
“Both foundations share a belief that compassion and responsibility must translate into meaningful action,” said Gere. “I am very pleased to see our organisations open this new chapter together and explore how our experience, networks and shared concerns can contribute to protecting the planet and building a more sustainable future.”
Connecting environmental action and community responsibility
The Gere Foundation supports organisations and initiatives working in areas including human and civil rights, community responsibility and environmental protection.
Gere’s environmental involvement includes the Sierra A Mar initiative in Mexico, which brings together local communities, government agencies, developers and other partners to promote regenerative, nature-based development.
For the Prince Albert II Foundation, the agreement expands its network of international partners working across environmental and community-based projects.
“Addressing environmental challenges requires organisations to work across sectors and communities, bringing together different forms of expertise and experience,” said Ciarlet. “This agreement gives us the opportunity to identify areas where our respective strengths can complement one another and support meaningful action for the planet.”
Richard Gere marks Foundation’s 20th anniversary in Monaco
The agreement was signed during a private screening of Wisdom of Happiness at the Théâtre Princesse Grace. Executive-produced by Gere, the documentary features the Dalai Lama reflecting on compassion, inner peace and happiness amid the challenges of the 21st century.
The screening was followed by a discussion with Gere and Tencho Gyatso, the Dalai Lama’s niece and President of the International Campaign for Tibet.
Gere was in Monaco for events marking the 20th anniversary of the Prince Albert II Foundation. The previous evening, he joined Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene as a guest of honour at the Foundation’s anniversary gala at the Salle Garnier.
During the gala auction, Gere offered a private lunch or dinner with himself as one of the fundraising lots supporting the Foundation’s environmental work.
See also:
Prince Albert II Foundation marks 20 years with star-studded Monaco gala
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Main photo: Prince Albert II with Richard Gere at the Palace, credit: Michael Alesi