MONACO IS MORE THAN JUST A GRAND PRIX CIRCUIT!

by Marina Orhei

MONACO. Awaiting for the Monaco Grand Prix on May 23-26, studies show that Monaco’s image is widely a very positive one in the public’s view, despite some misleading short-sightedness obscuring in the mind of some audiences what makes up the deep seated wealth of the Country. Located in southern Europe, on the shores of the Mediterranean, the Principality of Monaco is an international crossroads for the world’s talent and the home to 119 nationalities within its borders. Researchers, university professors, doctors, businessmen, entrepreneurs, artists and sportsmen can all be found in Monaco which has become, over the years, one of the most cosmopolitan nations on earth. So naturally, Monaco is drawn to play a special role, in every corner of the world. As a matter of fact, since 2012 H.S.H the Sovereign Prince has asked the Government to carry out focused communication campaigns to increase Monaco’s attractiveness for a target population and, more generally, the international public opinion. The campaign “Monaco – A special role in the world” was the result of this initiative. It has been widely disseminated and has won several awards, proving that it struck a chord. This campaign is supported by all stakeholders who are working tirelessly to establish this renewed image for Monaco. Of course, progress for the country’s image cannot be limited to a publicity campaign. H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco is the leading ambassador of Monaco’s image, and thanks to His interventions and exemplary positions, he is making of the Principality a recognized international advocate, especially on development and eco-responsibility issues. In fact, Monaco shares some unique aspects useful for Europe, like its special expertise in culture, technology, and health. For instance, do you know which nation shares its prima ballerina with all Europeans? Under the expert gaze of head choreographer, Jean-Christophe Maillot, it is the worldwide renowned Monte-Carlo Ballet with  outstanding prima ballerina Bernice Coppieters, and other dancing hopes. 

The 2019 program: Ballets de Monte-Carlo will be on tour in close to Monaco Fréjus in Cote d’Azur on May 25&26 at the Théâtre Le Forum as well as in Korea on June 8&9 in Daegu Opera House and on June 12&14 in Seoul Art Center. With the 2018-2019 season, Ballets de Monte-Carlo, under the Presidence of HRH the Princess of Hannover, in partnership with HSH Prince of Monaco and the Société des Bains de Mer contribute to international choreographic art diffusion. Princesse Grace Academy and the Monaco Dance Forum will also be present, which will organize a series of initiatives: dance at the museum, symposia, round tables, screenings…

As for technology, Monaco welcomes high-profile show like the Salon International de l’Automobile de Monaco. SIAM benefited from the high patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. It also has the support of the Prince Albert II Foundation, the Tourism and Congress Department, the Bains de Mer, the Automobile Club de Monaco and Compagnie Monégasque de Banque (founding partner). Guests and exhibitors include car manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, investors and CEOs of innovative companies.

It is also sponsored by numerous corporate partners such as EDF and Michelin. SIAM focuses on environmental responsibility, which has become a hot topic over recent years. Exhibitors showcase amazing futuristic cars (including electric, hybrid, LPG and hydrogen) designed using avant-garde technologies that reduce the automobile industry’s negative environmental impact. There are car models, demonstrations and discussions at the Forum of the Ecological Automobile like the prominent Venturi, whose Formula E Team has been founded by the futuristic Monaco Venturi Automobiles together with the award-winning actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio in the 2014/2015 season. It was the occasion of the launch of the first Formula E Championship that runs every two years in Monaco, this year on May 11 when Venturi’s Felipe Massa made his way past Buemi to score his first podium in Formula E for Venturi! 

 Another important event is the Energy Security Forum: founded in January 2016 by the President of Burisma Group Nikolay Zlochevskyi, Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and Aleksander Kwasniewski’s Foundation “Amicus Europae”, each year the Annual Monaco Energy Security Forum brings together over 500 attendees, including leading global policy makers and thought leaders, key energy market players and recognized industry experts advocating for energy security and sustainability, as well as promoting innovation and inclusion. 

Over the course of only three years, the Forum has grown to become a major international event and a must attend for U.S. and European politicians and opinion makers. The 4th Annual Monaco Energy Security Forum will take place on May 31, 2019, at the Yacht Club of Monaco. It will address the post-election order, its challenges and impact on energy-independence and security. Last but not least, we recall Monaco’s expertise to European humanitarian aid. The small country contribution is wide, from congress like the IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury & Illness in sport to the Cardio Thoracic Center of Monaco. The next IOC World Conference on Prevention of Injury & Illness in sport will take took place at the Grimaldi Forum from 12 to 14 March 2020. This triennial conference is a unique opportunity for the global sport and exercise medicine community to meet face to face in the ideal environment that Monaco provides.

HSH Albert II said he was thanking the organizers who have taken the decision to come back to Monaco after the 2011, 2014 and 2017 editions. Injury and illness represents for any athlete periods of doubt and decline during which he cannot achieve his ultimate goal of performing and enhancing his performance. The protection and preservation of their physical integrity are priorities for the Olympic Movement and all National Olympic Committees. In 2017, the Prince included new challenges linked to environmental issues such as harmful air quality, water pollution, the prevalence of the athletes whether at a competition level or for the practice of leisure sport. As Chair of the Sustainability and Legacy Commission, the Sovereign affirmed that the International Olympic Committee is engaged proactively on multiple fronts to address these problems. The works of this Conference has proved its efficiency in defining new clinical protocols and providing an invaluable platform of information dedicated to the athlete’s wellness. As for the Cardio Thoracic Center, it is world-wide known and performs state of the art heart surgeries in children especially coming from countries that cannot afford to provide.

Interventions like cardiomyopathy, which results in failure of the heart and requires complicated and dangerous open heart surgery can be very costly, in the United States for example, it can cost up $100,000! Envisioned in 1978, the Cardiothoracic Center of Monaco opened its doors in April 1987. With support from Monegasque authorities, the CCM was designed to address the shortage of beds in cardiology in the PACA region, but also to offer patients from all around the Mediterranean cutting-edge equipment. Since its opening in 1987, the Cardio-Thoracic Center of Monaco has been regularly called upon by Monegasque or French charitable associations, addressing patients from deprived countries or in crisis, for the medical management of often congenital cardiac diseases. An important part of the money collected after NO FINISH LINE® is donated via the Monaco Collectif Humanitaire to the Cardio-Thoracic Center, which mobilizes its teams to save children with very serious heart defects.
The children then receive visits from the members of the association, who take great pleasure in spending time with them, of course, accompanied by gifts!

READ MORE about Monaco’ s aid to poor nations: 

http://www.montecarlotimes.eu/2018/01/31/significative-glance-voluntary-service-france-monaco/