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Princess Charlene delivers powerful message on protecting children in sport at Monaco summit

by: Kayla Sauceda
05/11/2026

Ministers responsible for sport have adopted a resolution aimed at strengthening the protection of young athletes, following a Council of Europe conference in Monaco attended by nearly 300 participants.

Held at the Grimaldi Forum on Wednesday 4th November, the 19th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Sport brought together government representatives, international sporting organisations, and experts under the theme “A safer and healthier sport for all children”.

Discussions focused on the prevention of violence and abuse in sport, alongside protecting children’s physical and mental health.

WELLBEING AHEAD OF PERFORMANCE

Prince Albert II opened the conference alongside Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset and International Paralympic Committee Vice-President Leila Marques. Monaco’s Minister of the Interior Lionel Beffre chaired the proceedings.

In his opening address, Prince Albert II highlighted sport’s ability to unify people and pass on values of respect, solidarity, and personal achievement. He also stressed the importance of ensuring every child can participate in a safe and trusting environment.

Princess Charlene introduced the afternoon session, emphasising the role of sport in children’s personal and social development. She said their health, wellbeing, and enjoyment should take priority over performance, while highlighting the need to give children a voice and ensure they are heard and supported.

Athlete Caroline Mohr, a Peace Ambassador for the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, also contributed to a panel examining practical measures to improve conditions for young athletes.

Prince Albert II and fellow participants at the 19th Council of Europe Conference of Ministers responsible for Sport. Photo credit: Stéphane Danna / Direction de la Communication

A COMMON APPROACH TO PROTECTION

The resolution adopted at the conference sets out shared priorities to strengthen prevention, improve responses to violence, and encourage closer cooperation between public authorities and sporting organisations.

The gathering formed part of Monaco’s presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers and was its final major event held in the Principality before the presidency concludes.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Isabelle Berro-Amadeï delivered one of the closing addresses in her capacity as Chair of the Committee of Ministers.

MONACO SIGNS SPORTS MANIPULATION CONVENTION

Alongside the meeting, Monaco signed the Council of Europe Convention on the Manipulation of Sports Competitions, known as the Macolin Convention. It is the only international legal instrument dedicated to tackling the manipulation of sporting competitions.

The programme also included a meeting on Tuesday 3rd November marking the 10th anniversary of the Saint-Denis Convention, which addresses safety, security, and services at football matches and other sporting events. Participants reviewed its first decade of implementation and considered future cooperation.

The conference concluded with a government-hosted dinner at the Fairmont hotel, attended by Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene.

Monaco Life is written by qualified journalists, writing original content. Sign up for our free newsletter, listen to our podcasts on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Stéphane Danna / Direction de la Communication

Monaco highlights youth mental health and digital habits at WHO meeting

by: Kayla Sauceda
05/11/2026

The potential impact of young people’s digital habits on their mental health was among the issues raised by Monaco at a World Health Organisation meeting in Copenhagen, where Health Minister Christophe Robino highlighted ongoing cooperation on the subject.

Robino led the Principality’s delegation to the 76th session of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Committee for Europe from Tuesday 27th to Thursday 29th October. The meeting brought together representatives of the region’s 53 member states to discuss European health priorities.

During the general debate, he highlighted cooperation between Monaco and WHO Europe on young people’s use of digital technology and its possible consequences for mental health.

Initiated through Monaco’s presidency of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers, the collaboration brings together an approach based on children’s rights and the WHO’s public health expertise. According to the government, the work is also informing discussions within the Principality.

GROWING CONCERNS OVER ONLINE HABITS

WHO research published in September 2024 found that 11% of adolescents surveyed showed signs of problematic social media use in 2022, up from 7% in 2018. The study covered almost 280,000 young people aged 11, 13, and 15 across 44 countries and regions in Europe, central Asia, and Canada.

Problematic use included difficulty controlling time spent on social media, neglecting other activities, and experiencing negative consequences in everyday life. The WHO also reported associations with poorer mental and social wellbeing, less sleep, and later bedtimes.

The relationship is not simple, however. In a policy brief published in May 2025, WHO Europe explained that digital technology can have both positive and negative effects on young people’s wellbeing, with vulnerable young people disproportionately affected by the harms.

It also described a relationship that can work in both directions: increased screen time may exacerbate mental health difficulties, while those difficulties may lead to greater technology use.

HEALTHY AGEING AND RESPONSIBLE AI

Monaco’s delegation also contributed to discussions on healthy ageing and artificial intelligence in healthcare.

On ageing, the Principality stressed the need to adapt care pathways and strengthen healthcare professionals’ training to meet older people’s specific needs, supporting their autonomy and quality of care.

On artificial intelligence, Monaco called for responsible development that respects ethical principles and serves both healthcare professionals and patients.

Robino also expressed support for WHO reforms, while stressing the importance of protecting the organisation’s essential work amid financial constraints and multiple crises.

Monaco Life is written by qualified journalists, writing original content. Sign up for our free newsletter, listen to our podcasts on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo provided

Charles and Alexandra Leclerc welcome daughter Bianca

by: Kayla Sauceda
04/11/2026

Charles Leclerc and his wife Alexandra have welcomed their first child, a daughter named Bianca, born on Tuesday 3rd November.

The couple shared the news in a joint Instagram post on Wednesday 4th November, revealing a photograph of their newborn wearing knitted booties with the caption “Bianca 🤍 3.11.26”. Messages of congratulations followed from fans and across the Formula 1 community.

A GROWING FAMILY

Bianca’s arrival comes just over eight months after the Ferrari driver and Alexandra married in a private civil ceremony in Monaco on Saturday 28th February. The couple plans to hold a larger wedding celebration with family and friends in 2027.

Together since 2023, they announced their engagement in November 2025, with their dachshund Leo helping Charles propose by wearing a tag reading “Dad wants to marry you”.

Their daughter’s birth comes during the closing stages of the Formula 1 season, just days before the São Paulo Grand Prix.

Monaco Life congratulates Charles and Alexandra on the arrival of Bianca.

Monaco Life is written by qualified journalists, writing original content. Sign up for our free newsletter, listen to our podcasts on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo source: Charles and Alexandra Leclerc / Instagram

Two young athletes represent Monaco at historic Dakar Youth Olympics

by: Kayla Sauceda
03/11/2026

Valentine Platini and Maxime Connen are representing Monaco at the Dakar Youth Olympic Games, with the two 16-year-olds competing in showjumping and athletics at the first Olympic event held on African soil.

The fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games run from Saturday 31st October to Friday 13th November in Senegal, bringing together approximately 2,700 young athletes across 25 sports and 153 events.

PLATINI BEGINS SHOWJUMPING CAMPAIGN

Platini, who carried Monaco’s flag during the opening ceremony, begins the individual showjumping qualifiers on Tuesday 3rd November.

The competition presents a challenge for its 24 riders, who compete on horses supplied by the organisers and allocated by a draw. Riders have spent the training days getting to know their horses.

Platini has been paired with Élite Longane, with whom she will compete for a place in the individual final on Friday 6th November.

She will also take part in the mixed continental team competition on Thursday 5th November, joining riders from Sweden, Switzerland, and Russia to represent Europe.

CONNEN PREPARES FOR THE 100 METRES

Monaco’s other representative, sprinter Maxime Connen, will arrive in Dakar on Wednesday 4th November with his coach Christophe Mattei.

He is scheduled to compete in the 100 metres on Sunday 8th November, with the event taking place towards the end of the day.

PRINCE ALBERT II JOINS DELEGATION

Prince Albert II, president of the Monaco Olympic Committee and a member of the International Olympic Committee, attended the opening ceremony at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium in Diamniadio on Saturday 31st October.

The following day, he met members of Monaco’s delegation, including chef de mission Damien Desprat, Platini, and her coach Danai Tsatsou, and accompanied them on a visit to the equestrian venue.

He also attended table tennis, rugby sevens, swimming and futsal competitions, and took part in a medal presentation.

Competitions are being held across Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, alongside a cultural and educational programme for the young athletes and the Senegalese public.

Monaco Life is written by qualified journalists, writing original content. Sign up for our free newsletter, listen to our podcasts on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Comité Olympique Monégasque

Fire at Le Victoria brought under control with no injuries reported

by: Kayla Sauceda
03/11/2026

A fire on an eighth-floor terrace at Le Victoria prompted an emergency response involving 34 firefighters and 11 vehicles on Tuesday 3rd November. No injuries were reported.

According to Monaco-Matin, citing Monaco’s Fire and Emergency Service, the alarm was raised at 9:16am at the residential building on Boulevard Princesse Charlotte.

The fire is believed to have started in an outdoor kitchen terrace area, although the cause has yet to be confirmed.

Firefighters used a hose to tackle the blaze, efficiently bringing it under control before 11am.

Traffic on Boulevard Princesse Charlotte was halted during the operation and gradually resumed afterwards.

Monaco Life is written by qualified journalists, writing original content. Sign up for our free newsletter, listen to our podcasts on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo credit: Kayla Sauceda / Monaco Life

No Finish Line returns to Monaco for eight days of fundraising

by: Kayla Sauceda
03/11/2026

Monaco’s No Finish Line will return from Saturday 14th to Sunday 22nd November, inviting runners and walkers to turn their kilometres into support for sick and disadvantaged children.

Now in its 27th edition, the charity event is organised by Children & Future under the High Patronage of Prince Albert II. For each kilometre covered, the association donates €1 to projects helping children, with funding provided through registrations, sponsors, and donors. Participants can join individually or as a team, choosing their own pace and distance.

Since its creation in 1999, No Finish Line Monaco has brought together over 200,000 participants who have collectively covered almost 5.5 million kilometres and helped provide over €5.8 million for charities.

Organisers are aiming to surpass the 375,245 kilometres covered last year. This year also sees Yakuba Ouattara become an ambassador for Children & Future, supporting the association’s work with sick and disadvantaged children.

EIGHT DAYS OF WALKING AND RUNNING

The event begins at 2pm on Saturday 14th November and continues around the clock until 2pm on Sunday 22nd November.

Participants will follow a 1,140-metre circuit around the Chapiteau de Fontvieille. Each participant receives a tracking chip that records completed laps, with one registration covering the whole week. This allows participants to return whenever they wish, whether for a short walk or longer run.

ENDURANCE CHALLENGES

For those seeking a tougher test, the programme includes an eight-day challenge, a 12-hour race on Thursday 19th November from 9am to 9pm, and a 24-hour trophy running from 8pm on Friday 20th November until 8pm on Saturday 21st November.

The 12-hour race is new for this year and is open to individuals and relay teams of two to four runners. Registration for both the 12-hour race and the 24-hour trophy closes at 6pm on Sunday 15th November.

The 24-hour event is open to individuals and relay teams of up to six people. Strollers and dogs will not be permitted on the circuit during this period, although both are welcome at other times, with dogs kept on a short lead.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Standard registration costs €16 for adults plus a refundable €10 tracking-chip deposit.

Individual registration remains open online until Sunday 22nd November through the Children & Future website. On-site registration opens at 10am on Saturday 14th November at the Chapiteau de Fontvieille.

Monaco Life is written by qualified journalists, writing original content. Sign up for our free newsletter, listen to our podcasts on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook,  Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.

Photo source: Children & Future