Prince Albert will give a keynote speech on national resilience in the face of Covid-19 at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, designed to help set the agenda for a green recovery from the health crisis.
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), hosted by Masdar, is a global platform for accelerating sustainable development and will be held virtually from 18th to 21st January 2021.
ADSW 2021 will feature a series of high-level virtual events, including the ADSW Summit, IRENA Assembly, Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Forum, Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum, Youth 4 Sustainability Virtual Forums and the World Future Energy Summit Webinars.
“As our economies and industries begin to recover from the impact of the global pandemic, we have an opportunity to set ambitious goals, invest in new technologies and put the necessary policies in place that will deliver a sustainable recovery,” said Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE’s Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Special Envoy for Climate Change and Chairman of Masdar. “Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week embodies the United Arab Emirate’s proactive and forward-thinking approach to climate change and sustainability and underlines the UAE’s role as a responsible, solutions oriented global citizen, enabling dialogue to be turned into action.”
Dr Sultan Al Jaber will be delivering a keynote speech at the ADSW Summit, which will feature more than 70 high-level speakers from around the world, including Prince Albert II of Monaco, Head of State, who will share how his Principality has handed the coronavirus crisis.
“The Covid-19 pandemic continues to cause unprecedented levels of disruption to lives all over the world. But the recovery period offers energy policy makers and the investment community a moment to realign their decisions and actions with sustainable growth, economic resilience, and shared prosperity,” said Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). “The IRENA Assembly and Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week represent a starting point for a year that we must come to define as pivotal in our pursuit of a sustainable future.”
This year’s summit follows a successful 2020 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which hosted around 45,000 attendees from 170 countries, with more than 500 high-level speakers from around the world. After this year’s virtual event, the physical program of ADSW will return in 2022.
To ensure the safety of all participants, ADSW 2021 and all related high-level events will take place virtually. The physical program of ADSW will return in 2022.
Women made up 41% of the workforce in large companies in 2019 and the majority of working females in Monaco were French. These are just some of the findings to come out of the latest report by IMSEE.
New figures by Monaco’s statistics body show that 53,091 people were employed in the private sector in 2019. Of those, just over 21,000 were women, constituting 40% of the total.
The overwhelming nationality was French at 63%, while Italians made up 15%, and Portuguese 7%.
Meanwhile, 43% of women lived in Monaco or the communities immediately surrounding it such as Beausoleil, Cap d’Ail, La Turbie and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. This is compared to 32% of private sector men.
The average age of women skewed a bit lower than that of the men, but only just. Males were aged 42.2 on average, and women 41.6 years. In the 25 to 34 age range, women had a slight edge over men, making up 25% of the sector’s workforce compared to 22% of men.
The biggest sector in Monaco – Scientific and Technical Activities, Administrative Services and Support – is also the biggest employer of women in the Principality, with 3,000 females coming under this umbrella.
Hospital Activities, GSA Admin, Teaching and Social Health and Action Services are primarily female dominated sectors, with seven out of 10 employees being women.
On the other end of the scale, only one construction worker in 10 was female.
The number of working hours each week varied only slightly in two categories. Women worked more than 39 hours a week in 12% of cases, whilst 26% of men did the same. In other categories, it is roughly even. For those working under 20 hours per week, women came in at 12% and men at 9%. Meanwhile, 41% of women worked exactly 39 hours a week compared to 39% of men.
The figures show that women made up the majority of employees in small companies in the private sector. In those with less than five employees, they represented 53%. However, in companies with 50 or more employees that figure drops to 41%.
Finally, there were 48 companies of more than five employees that were 100% female, versus 129 that were 100% male.
The Roca Team came out swinging and never stopped in their Wednesday night Euro Cup 7 Top 16 match against Nanterre, beating their opponent 93 to 65.
AS Monaco Basketball is back on form after their disappointing loss to Orleans last weekend when they were knocked out of the Coupe de France.
It was clear from the start that Nanterre didn’t stand a chance on Wednesday. The team was determined to take home the win and win they did. They delivered both offensively and defensively, dominating the game on the opponent’s home turf.
Top scorer Marcos Knight had praise for his team, saying “I think we played a big team game in defense. We forced them to take some tough shots and from our side we shared the ball well.”
Knight took home 20 points and seven rebounds on the night, followed by Rob Gray who had 19 points and an impressive four for seven three-pointers. Damien Inglis had 11 points and nine rebounds, and JJ O’Brien brought home 10 points. Will Yeguete picked up 10 rebounds to match his 10 points scored.
The team made 26 out of 38 shots on the night and a whopping 39 total rebounds.
“I’m very happy with the performance of my team, with the way we won this match,” said Coach Zvezdan Mitrovic. “We produced a very good game in attack, collectively. Everything worked out well with a good share of the ball, it was really better than usual in this sector. We confirmed our status as the best defense in the Euro Cup but I really liked what I saw in attack. It’s only the first game but the Top 16 is off to a good start.”
The Roca Team face off against Unicaja Malaga next Tuesday at home at Salle Gaston Médecin.
Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball
Crucial funding continues for Monaco's main cultural centre
The Grimaldi Forum’s largest sponsor, CMB, has renewed its partnership for 2021, securing Monaco’s world-class cultural programme for the year including the exciting Alberto Giacometti summer exhibition.
The partnership was signed in front of the press on Wednesday by CMB Monaco Chairman Etienne Franzi, CMB CEO Francesco Grosoli, Grimaldi Forum Chairman Henri Fissore and Grimaldi Forum General Manager Sylvie Biancheri.
It marked the continuation of a 16-year union between the two Monegasque companies, and was particularly significant for Sylvie Biancheri, who told Monaco Life: “Following the difficult times of 2020, the fact that the CMB accepted to renew their partnership at the same level as 2019 is very important to us.” Photo: CMB Monaco Chairman Etienne Franzi, CMB CEO Francesco Grosoli, Grimaldi Forum Chairman Henri Fissore and Grimaldi Forum General Manager Sylvie Biancheri, by Monaco Life.
The funding allows the Grimaldi Forum to push ahead with its major concerts, congresses and exhibitions for the year, particularly the incredibly popular summer exhibition which this year takes the theme: Alberto Giacometti, A Restrospective, Marvelous Reality.
“We have been planning the Giacometti exhibition for three years, and it would have been disastrous to not have the support of CMB because of what happened in 2020. It is an enormous relief,” said Ms Biancheri.
For Etienne Franzi, the sponsorship symbolises CMB’s confidence in the dynamic company and the private bank’s commitment to contributing to the cultural influence of the Principality.
“It is important for the CMB to keep its strong partnership with the Grimaldi Forum because it is the heart of culture in the Principality,” Mr Franzi told Monaco Life. “Putting our name close to the Grimaldi Forum is even more crucial today because culture is one of the sectors suffering most, and it is important that we are here to support and work hand in hand with the forum in the weeks and months ahead.”
The Grimaldi Forum is proving very resilient in light of the event cancellations that took place in 2020 and the postponements that continue to unfold this year. Sylvie Biancheri has a very positive outlook for 2021 because, she says, the team has learnt to adapt.
“We have been working as though 2021 is completely normal in terms of programming,” she said. “We will be delivering the best. However, to minimise risk, we are organising more events from France.”
Meanwhile, disruptive works related to the neighbouring land extension which were due to take place in autumn have been brought forward to the start of the year, capitalising on a slow first quarter.
Photo of the Grimaldi Forum by Cassandra Tanti for Monaco Life, all rights reserved
Prince Albert has addressed world leaders at the One Planet Summit in France’s capital, saying that the preservation of seas and forests is the preservation of humanity.
Prince Albert was in Paris for the One Planet Summit on Monday, organised by France and hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. The environmental action meeting brought together more than 30 heads of state, government officials and leaders of international organisations, some via video conference, to discuss strategic plans and programmes in place or under development to protect the planet.
During the session dedicated to the protection of marine and terrestrial areas, Prince Albert highlighted the two initiatives developed in the Mediterranean with the support of his Foundation: the MedFund, dedicated to the preservation of marine protected areas, and Beyond Plastic Med – BeMed, which focusses on the fight against plastic pollution.
“To act for the preservation of the seas and forests is to act for the survival of humanity,” said the Prince. Photo: Prince Albert sits next to French President Emmanuel Macron and other world leaders at the One Planet Summit in Paris on Monday, source Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation
President Emmanuel Macron announced that the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, which was launched in 2019 by Costa Rica, France and Britain to set a target of protecting at least 30% of the planet by 2030, has now been joined by 50 countries.
The UK’s Prince Charles made an “urgent appeal” for private sector leaders to back the Terra Carta, or Earth Charter, which encourages businesses to get on track with sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
But the enthusiasm shown by leaders was slightly underscored by the challenge of how all these projects would be realised financially. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said there was a deficit of €5.85 billion per year for projects that are trying to meet biodiversity targets by 2030.
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has committed £3 billion (€3.35 billion) to climate change programmes and Canada’s Justin Trudeau offered $55 million (€45.26 million) to the UN Land Degradation Neutrality Fund.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen pledged that the EU would devote “several hundred million euros” to research pertaining to biodiversity, animals and health, adding that the EU will be introducing new laws to restrict products harmful to the environment by the end of the year.
The one-day summit focused on four major topics: protecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems; promoting agroecology, a more sustainable way to grow food; increasing funding to protect biodiversity; and identifying links between deforestation and the health of humans and animals.
It served as a prelude to the upcoming COP26 Summit on climate, the COP15 Summit on biodiversity, and the COP15 Summit on desertification, which are all scheduled for later this year.
A side conference on Monday focused on investment for Africa’s Great Green Wall project, which involves efforts to stop the Sahara Desert from spreading further south. Launched in 2007, it aims to plant an arc of trees running 7,000 kilometres across Africa — from Senegal along the Atlantic all the way to Djibouti on the Gulf of Aden.
Another initiative involves a new coalition of Mediterranean countries working to better protect the sea from pollution and overfishing.
Photo source: Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation
At just 22 years of age, Olivia Dorato has released two albums, one EP and is waiting for the right time to introduce the world to her third album. She produced 17 songs during a global pandemic and has become the voice of Monaco’s heroes at the forefront of the health crisis. Monaco Life caught up with the young Monegasque to talk about her brave decision to move away from a predictable life in law to the very uncertain and exciting life of a singer/songwriter. Monaco Life: Have you always had a passion for music? What are your earliest memories of enjoying music?
Olivia Dorato: I think so. My parents tell me I used to sing rather than talk. There was a decisive moment when I was playing a game with my best friend and sister and I wrote a song titled ‘Rigoler’ (Nothing). I realised at that exact moment that I was actually a song writer, that I had something in me that makes me want to produce, create and compose music. I was around eight years old at the time. Did you go on to study to music or singing?
I never studied music at school. I have always just taken my guitar and played something every day for at least one hour, to train and be the best I can be. That is why I believe that what I have is a real gift. But I have also worked very hard to be where I am. What is it about the process of writing songs and composing music that you love?
I think music is really something that makes me happy. Without music I feel my life would have no real meaning. I am lucky to have found something that makes me happy every single day.
Did you always want to make a career out of music?
I actually studied to be a lawyer at university. Even when I received my law degree in 2019, I knew that music was my entire life. I tried to find the strength to do music full time, and it was pretty hard and I felt guilty of course, but I did it. And honestly, it is the best decision I have ever made. That’s a very brave move. Did your parents support you in that decision?
I am so lucky because without them, nothing would have happened. My parents were very understanding and they were the ones who told me: “Olivia, if music makes you happy, just do it. Now is the right time, and if you don’t try it you will regret it for the rest of your life. Even if you fail, you will have tried and that is the most important part.” So, I did. How old were you when you released your first album?
I released my first album at 14, then I released my second one at 17. I had a pause for my studies, and now my new EP has just been released. How has your music evolved over the years, from that first album to this latest EP?
When I listen to my first album now, I can really see the improvement and the evolution of my music. And although I may think “Oh my god, that is terrible”, to be honest I wouldn’t change a thing. Of course, the vocals are better now, the music is better, and the quality of the production is better. Which is fortunate, I guess. Photo of Olivia Dorato by Christophe Paitrault Who are your influences in music?
(Laughing) I am a huge fan of Justin Bieber, because of the quality of his production and the fact he always tries to stand out from other artists. But Harry Hudson has been the biggest inspiration over the past few years. He overcame cancer and he actually gave me the strength to put my studies on hold and try my luck in music. I also like Charlie Puth because he is a genius, and also Billie Eilish because she really has her own thing going on and she’s in her own universe. You produce songs in both English and French. Do you write and compose differently for each language?
For me, it has always been easier to write in English, because the words come easier. In French, you always have to be so serious. For example, in English you can say: “Butterfly, fly away”, but in French that sounds silly. I really like to write in English but if I want to be famous in France, I have to write in French. So, I make songs in both languages, and I think I have found a good balance between the two. You were awarded l’Artiste de Monaco 2020 in November, produced and sang ‘Love the Ocean’ for the OceanoScientific project, and also wrote and performed a song about frontline workers during the Covid epidemic. How did this last collaboration come about?
I was contacted a few months ago by one of the Prince’s Carabinier, Major Olivier Drean, and asked if I could do something for the National Day celebration. He wanted me to write a song about all the people who have been working hard during the crisis, and I said ‘sure that’s a great idea’. I love to use my music to help others and shine a light on them.
The idea was to play the song live on National Day in front of the Palace, and until the very last moment we thought it was possible. But then I got a call that said we couldn’t do it because of everything going on, so we shot a music video instead, which in itself was an enormous task.
You must feel very patriotic to be able to do this for your country?
I feel so proud that they chose me to do this. I feel very lucky and happy to be able to show that Monaco has an existence through music. I really want to grow that perspective of Monaco, and this is the first step. I am extremely proud to be Monegasque. What is next for Olivia Dorato?
I would like to release an album which I have already recorded. Initially, the release of the EP was planned for June 2020 but the recording couldn’t be done because of lockdown. So, when it was lifted, I recorded 17 tracks in the studio in almost a month, which is incredible. But I have to wait for the right time to release the album because the music world is struggling now, and it’s quite frustrating. So, the album is planned for release in 2021, but I have no specific date yet. Where do you see yourself in the next few years?
I see myself touring the world and living for my music. I see myself on stage, writing songs, having a family, being happy and doing what I love, and still trying to help people with my gift.
Top photo of Olivia Dorato by Christophe Paitrault
