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Monaco warns of threat to international order at UN Human Rights Council

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
25/02/2026

Monaco is not a country that typically takes sides. The Principality has long preferred quiet diplomacy over public positions, and so its interventions at international forums tend toward the measured and uncontroversial. However, at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on 23rd February, Isabelle Berro-Amadeï chose to speak bluntly about the state of the world.

Isabelle Berro Amadeï, Monaco’s Minister of External Relations and Cooperation, addressed the High-Level Segment of the 61st session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, delivering her message by video.

She raised concern over what she sees as a dangerous drift in international affairs: the sidelining of legal norms, the decline of multilateral cooperation, and an increasing willingness among states to resort to force over dialogue.

Pointing to conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, Syria, Iran and Sudan, she argued that in each case, it’s ordinary people that bear the consequences, when might trumps right.

“Force can conquer, but only law can build,” she stated.

Berro-Amadeï also advocated for a stronger UN human rights architecture, calling for greater institutional capacity within the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and announcing that Monaco would be increasing its voluntary financial contribution to the body.

The Human Right Council is the UN’s principal body for the promotion and protection of human rights. It’s 61st session runs in Geneva until 31st March 2026

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Main photo source: Government Communications Department

Fontvielle’s Avenue des Papalins to get a green makeover

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
24/02/2026

A landscaping project is under way on Avenue des Papalins in Fontvieille, aimed at transforming a key pedestrian route in the district and improving the quality of life of residents and pedestrians. 

The project will see existing planters enlarged to create 111 square metres of new green space, forming a continuous green barrier between traffic and pavement, making the area both safer and more pleasant to use.

Seasonal flower beds will be replaced with long-lasting Mediterranean plants designed to provide colour throughout the year.

Additionally, seven new trees will be added, a mix of large-flowered magnolias and bitter orange trees, to complement the citrus trees already lining the street.

Magnolias were selected due to their environmental benefits: their dense canopy can help reduce urban heat, while their leaves trap fine particles from the air.

On-site banner of the work being done, photo by Monaco Life

Meanwhile, all existing trees will be retained, and contractors have been instructed to take particular care to protect their root systems during construction.

The new planters will also include an upgraded watering system, improving water management.

Current use of the avenue will remain in place. However, 32 surface parking spaces for two-wheelers will be removed. In exchange, 52 new two-wheeler spaces will be created inside the Papalins car park, including 14 designated for electric vehicles. This will increase overall capacity while freeing up surface space for greenery.

The works are expected to continue until early March and they form part of Monaco’s National Biodiversity Strategy, which aims to expand green spaces and increase tree planting across the Principality by 2030.

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Main photo credit: Kyriaki Topalidou, Monaco Life

AS Monaco Basket clinches 2026 Leaders Cup title

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
23/02/2026

The Roca Team have won the Leaders Cup, defeating Le Mans Sarthe Basket 103-79 in the final at the Futuroscope Arena in Poitiers.

It was sweet revenge for Monaco, who had lost to Le Mans in the same fixture last year. Now, under the guidance of Vassilis Spanoulis, they were dominant right from the start.

The first quarter was smooth throughout. Mike James set the tone early, contributing nine points in the opening four minutes, while Elie Okobo tested Le Man’s defence at every level, and Monaco led 30-12 at the end of it.

Le Mans managed a brief response in the second quarter through Trevor Hudgins and Johnny Berhanemeskel, prompting Spanoulis to call a timeout. Monaco steadied and went into half-time with a commanding 53-40 advantage.

Third quarter decided the game

The third quarter put the game beyond doubt. Jaron Blossomgame hit three three-pointers in five minutes, and Daniel Theis was a constant presence inside, drawing fouls and scoring with ease. Monaco’s lead grew towards 20 points before Spanoulis brought Nikola Mirotic into the five position to close out the quarter.

The final quarter was a formality. Okobo opened it with a dunk and continued to dictate play throughout. Nemanja Nedovic, subdued for much of the weekend, finally found his range from three, and Mirotic added a late contribution. Le Mans collected a series of technical fouls as frustration set in, but at that point, the outcome had long been decided.

The Roca Team receiving the 2026 Leaders Cup, photo credit: AS Monaco Basket

Okobo led all scorers with 19 points. Blossomgame finished with 17, Theis with 15 and Alpha Diallo with 14 off the bench. James rounded off a fine all-round display with 12. For Le Mans, Berhanemeskel’s 22 points stood as the sole bright spot on a difficult evening.

Speaking after the final whistle, Theis reflected on their collective effort. “The defence was enormous, and that allowed us to score more freely in attack,” he said. “We know Le Mans never give up, and we gave everything to come out on top.”

Playmaker Matthew Strazel shared the same sentiment. “Life gave us another chance against Le Mans in the Leaders Cup final,” he said. “With this win, we prove than we learn from our mistakes.”

Monaco now turn their attention back to the EuroLeague and the French championship, with this title providing them a boost of confidence ahead of a demanding run-in

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Main photo credit: AS Monaco Basket

 

Space, health and finance on the agenda of the Monaco Women Forum 2026

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
22/02/2026

The Monaco Women Forum is set to return on 20th March at the Méridien Beach Plaza, bringing together figures from science, finance, defence and international institutions for a day of high-level discussions on some of the most defining issues of our time.

The latest edition of the forum focuses around the theme of “Innovation, Leadership, and Global Impact”, with a programme structured around four sessions: finance, space, health and longevity.

The day starts at 11am with a finance panel looking at digital assets and global investment strategy.

Then, the space panel scheduled for 2pm is set to draw the most attention. Titled ‘The New Strategic Frontier’, it will feature Aarti Holla-Maini, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), alongside Luca V. M. Salamone, Director General of the Italian Space Agency, Domitilla Benigni, CEO of ELT Group and Rosanna Hoffmann, Lead for Space Law and Policy at UNOOSA.

The session will examine how geopolitics, international law and emerging technologies are reshaping the future of space, both as a field of exploration and as a matter of national security.

Following, the afternoon sessions, at 3pm and 4pm will turn to medicine and longevity, covering precision therapies, MedTech and the science of healthy ageing.

The forum places women leaders at the centre of these conversations at a time when such voices remain underrepresented in many of the sectors on the agenda.

The event will conclude with a networking cocktail at 5pm.

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Main photo credit: Monaco Women Forum 

Princess Charlene-backed Saint Dévote Tournament set for most international edition yet

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
19/02/2026

The Stade Louis II will swap football for rugby on the 20th and 21st March, when Monaco hosts the 14th edition of the Saint Dévote Tournament, one of the largest under 12s international rugby competitions in the world.

Now in its 14th edition, the event is officially backed by both World Rugby and Rugby Europe. The format is seven on each side, with players all under 12-years-old, and matches run across both days from 9:30am.

This year’s edition is the most international to date. Twenty four teams representing 23 nations have confirmed their participants, with teams travelling from South Africa, Argentina, England, Scotland, Wales, France, Italy, Spain, Georgia, Greece, Japan, India, Singapore, Zimbabwe, Mauritius, Ecuador, the United States, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Andorra, the United Arab Emirates, and Monaco itself.

The Saint Dévote Rugby Tournament in 2025, photo credit: FMR

The tournament is organised by the Fédération Monégasque de Rugby, presided over by Princess Charlene, in partnership with the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation.

Beyond the competition, there are several weekend activities which are free of charge. Children aged two to seven can take part in the introductory rugby sessions for a first experience of the sport, while dedicated workshops for children and young adults with disabilities will run in collaboration with local schools. Additionally, a fan zone with inflatable games will be open throughout the day.

Doors open at 9:30am on Friday 20th and Saturday 21st March.

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Main photo credit: FMR

Jardin du Chemin des Sculptures set for major transformation

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
19/02/2026

In the heart of Fontvieille, Jardin du Chemin des Sculptures, is set to undergo significant transformation, with redevelopment work starting this month.

Since 2021, waterproofing works have already been carried out to address ageing infrastructure beneath the garden. Now, with the structural issues solved, a greener future is on the books for the Fontvieille garden, and visitors will start to see and experience the changes on ground level.

The Department of Urban Planning has commissioned landscape architects Grand & Associates to redesign the space. The plan is to shift the garden’s usage from just a transitional walkway into a more inviting place to spend time, with more planting, increased shade and areas better suited to everyday use.

Projected image of the garden after the works

Work will be delivered in three phases to allow continuous usage of the garden and to reduce disruption. The first half of the garden is due to be completed by the end of 2026, with the remaining areas developed in stages throughout 2027 and 2028.

This new plan focuses strongly on greenery. Planting will be chosen to suit local climate and to help address rising temperatures, providing shade, cooling and biodiversity. The project also aims to use responsibly-sourced materials and environmentally conscious design principles.

On-site panels will be also placed to provide updates and explain the stages throughout the redevelopment.

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Main photo credit: Grant & Associates