SENATOR ANDREA MANZELLA GUEST IN MONACO
Within the various activities proposed by Monaco-Italy Association, at the Pacifique Hall of the Meridien in Monte-Carlo, it was organized an interesting dinner -debate, last Monday, 20th October. An exceptional guest entertained the guests on that occasion: Professor Andrea Manzella, an Italian politician and a brilliant academic. He directs the Center for Studies on Parliament at the Luiss University of Rome, and it was also Professor of Constitutional Right and Parliamentary Right in the Universities of Trento, Genoa, Padua and in the same Luiss.Marina Grosoli Kerwat, the new President of the Association, and some members of the Boards of Directors welcomed him.
The topical theme had to be an update on the latest events in Italian politics. But given the vast knowledge of the professor as he was Senator from 1999 to 2008, President for Policies of the European Union of Italian Senate, and member of the Council of Europe - from 2001 to 2008 - and Rapporteur for the Principality of Monaco entry in the Council, so the discussion was on the reasons of Italian Parties’evolution until the 1992-1994 politician turning point, as well as the long standing problem of the' Southern question 'to get to federalism and the current international political situation.The very interesting ideas of the privileged point of view of the Senator caused to reflect and the following debate suggested several speeches thanks to the challenging questions raised by the Director General of the Association, Jean Laurent Terrazzoni.
Next meeting on Wednesday 12th November with a dinner-debate, scheduled at 20h00 at the Hotel Hermitage Salon Excelsior: guest Massimo Ponzellini, President for Impregilo S.p.a. and former CEO of the European Investment Bank. The theme of the evening will be “After the financial crisis ... "
BIODIVERSITY: MONACO AND ALBERT II II FOUNDATION GAVE MORE THAN ONE MILLION EUROS TO MERCANTOUR NATIONAL PARK AND MARITTIME ALPS PARK
A partnership agreement was signed in Monaco on Friday 19th September, in favour of Mercantour National Park and Marittime Alps twinned since 1987. As part of the agreement which is composed by four projects, the Principality of Monaco and Prince Albert II Foundation committed up to 1 015 000 euros over three years. Mercantour National Park and Marittime Alps Park pledged, however, up to 3 189 000.
The signing of this agreement in favour of Biodiversity was held in La Rocher on 19th September, in the presence of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II and many dignitaries (see photo). The agreement was signed at the Ministry of State, in the presence of HE Minister of State. It was signed, in behalf of the Principality by Robert Calcagno, Adviser to the Government Facilities, Environment and Urban Development in behalf of the Prince Albert II Foundation by Mr. Bernard Fautrier, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of the Foundation, in behalf of the Mercantour Park by Mr. Gaston Franco, Chairman of the Board and Pierre Commenville, Director ad interim, and in behalf of the Marittime Alps Park by the President Gian Pietro Pepino and the Director Patrizia Rossi.
The partnership, supported by the Principality of Monaco and the Foundation Albert II of Monaco, has several objectives. First, to improve knowledge and understanding of the evolution of biodiversity in that landscape and then promote exemplary management, including sustainable tourism, and promote the international sharing of the resulting experiences.
The agreement focuses on four projects spaced throughout three years.
The first project of the Convention is about the realization of one of the most ambitious systematic inventories of living. It plans to cover the entire territories of both natural areas, or nearly 2 450 sq. km. The implementation of this inventory will include the hosting and management of international teams of scientists but also local naturalists, whose knowledge is quite very specific. The second project aims to promote the inclusion of the two parks in the World Heritage of Humanity.
The third project involves the realization of welcome centres dedicated to scientists and park visitors, with the ambition to forge links between the two communities. The lines of the project concern the development of scientific tourism and the emergence of "citizen science" initiatives, where visitors and local communities are involved in scientific discoveries. The last part of the Convention aims to ensure the promotion of these three projects: organization of national and international events and conferences, establishment of information and communication supports, promotion through the media of the cooperation so as to encourage public involvement in favour of the environment.
The Foundation Prince Albert II opened its U.S. branch
During the reception organised for the launch of the American branch of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation in New York, Jeffrey Sachs, emblematic professor of economics at the Columbia University declared: “you’ve got it right, it is urgent that we all work together”, in reference to H.S.H. Prince Albert II’s commitment and the international action of his Foundation for environmental protection.
Professor Jeffrey Sachs, Director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, was the keynote speaker at the evening to announce the US branch of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
Organised by Maguy Maccario Doyle, the Consul General of Monaco and Director of the Monaco Government Tourist Office in New York, the evening was held on 17th September and it was attended by over 130 guests. The event was presided over by H.E. Bernard Fautrier, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, representing H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince and by John B. Kelly III, President of the new U.S. branch. Ms. Samantha Smith, member of the Foundation's Technical and Scientific Committee, also addressed the gathering with anecdotes of her participation in the 2006 fact-finding expedition to the North Pole conducted by the Sovereign Prince of Monaco.
“Today we are a bit shell-shocked, but it should make us think about our responsibility towards the planet. There may be a recovery, but only if we stop making the same mistakes. That is why the action undertaken and the message issued by the Prince Albert II Foundation are so important," said Professor J. Sachs.
“Climate change, loss of biodiversity and water are areas under profound stress. The Foundation has picked its issues wisely. It is a true honor to partner with the Foundation. They are on the right path. They’ve got it right. » he concluded.
John B. Kelly said: “The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is different from other environmental Foundations in three unique ways: the combination of its fields of action, its President’s status as Head of State, and a long family history of environmental protection.”
While introducing a welcome message from H.S.H. Prince Albert II, Mr Fautrier recalled that the U.S. branch is the latest of the Foundation's chapters along with France, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. There are also plans to open branches in Singapore, Canada, Germany, Italy and Belgium in 2009.
He said that to date the Foundation had awarded more than 11 million euros to support more than 70 projects around the world dedicated to climate change, preservation of biodiversity, management of water resources and the fight against desertification. He also pointed out that 100% of the donations made to the Foundation are exclusively used to finance these projects.
The Monaco Lounge, an avant-garde installation which will also be used to showcase the important work undertaken by the Foundation and the Principality with regard to the environment, was also presented during the event.
The installation features kaleidoscopes that focus on the Foundation’s work and was designed by a special effects team based in Hollywood.
A video address by Prince Albert II which outlines his personal commitment to the preservation and conservation of the environment and the achievements of his Foundation and the Principality is also projected onto the screens.
ROGER MOORE, SPONSOR OF THE ELIZABETH WESSEL’ S DOLL FOR UNICEF
Impromptu visit at Elizabeth Wessel, a few weeks ago. Roger Moore came to know that the designer made a doll for the sixth edition of Frimousses de créateurs, from 18th to 23rd November at the Petit Palais in Paris, so he came to reinforce her, for this charitable activity, whose godmother is Laticia Hallyday.
Knowing that this evening was organized to help even more UNICEF for its immunization programs, the famous Bond, James Bond agreed to use his image to help further this association. He has been one of the oldest member for many years. Since the beginning of the year, more than 31,000 children were vaccinated, with funds collected and several dozen of designers have already achieved the Frimousses to serve this exceptional sale by auction, some of them in Internet.
The big heart of James Bond, has never wavered, and once again Roger Moore ships out. With his wife, Christina, and surrounded by Nathalie Varley and Jacqueline Lestrade, the image was received from the heights of Monaco.
Thanks to Elizabeth Wessel, we could meet up, with great pleasure, Sir Roger Moore. 
PRINCE PIERRE FOUNDATION: THREE QUESTIONS TO JEAN-CHARLES CURAU
Literary and musical meetings, writing workshops, conferences, audiovisual projections, dedication sessions ... Many events punctuated the 2008 edition of the Foundation, held from Sunday 5th to Tuesday 8th October. A few days before the proclamation of winners on Tuesday, 7th October at 8.00 pm in the Salle Garnier, Jean-Charles Curau, Director for Cultural Affairs of the Principality and General Secretary of the Prince Pierre Foundation reviewed the International Prize of Contemporary Art of Prince Pierre Monaco Foundation.
Can you remind us who is the winner of the International Prize of Contemporary Art of Prince Pierre Monaco Foundation designated by the jury on 6 May 2008?
Jean-Charles Curau: Didier Marcel won, thanks to his work "Untitled, Labors", a mould of a segment of ploughed field. Through these two furrows, presented vertically, this young artist gives us his vision of the world: this is the essence of art. By this choice, the jury of the Prince Pierre Foundation fulfills its dual mission: to reward an emerging artist, selected by expert professionals (art dealers, curators ...) and contribute to the diffusion of contemporary art. Didier Marcel was awarded on 6th May. Following the example of previous winners, a work in connection with the Principality was comissioned to him. His two works will be exhibited in Monaco, in the Salle du Quai Antoine I, from 8th October.
What is the role of the Prince Pierre Foundation?
J-Ch. C. Supporting contemporary art. Founded in 1966 by H. S. H. Prince Rainier III in memory of his father, Prince Pierre, the Foundation awards four prizes annually whose winners list will be declared on 7th October at 8.00 p.m., in the Salle Garnier in Monaco: the Price for Contemporary Art whose winner is already known, the Prize of Musical Composition and the Literary Prize, chaired by HRH Princess Caroline of Hanover. Moreover there is the Discovery Scholarship, established in 2001. It rewards a young writer for his first book of fiction in the french language, while the Literary Prize honors a writer for all his work in occasion of the recent publication of one of his books. Among the recent winners of literary awards, Jacques Pierre Amette (2007), Philippe Sollers (2006) and Andrei Makine (2005), just to mention a few, and for the Discovery Scholarship, Carole Martinez rewarded last year for "Le coeur cousu" (Gallimard). The Prince Pierre Foundation also welcomes all those concerned at the Auditorium Rainier III, on Sunday 5th Oct, where many events have been organized (writing workshops, conferences ...).
Beyond this annual event, which will be the next major cultural events proposed by the Government of the Principality?
J.Ch. C. : Among the major cultural projects, the Principality is currently organizing the celebration of the centenary of Russian Ballet of Serge Diaghilev. The event will be a national celebration. It should be opened next summer with an important exhibition and will go on for one year long. All monegasque cultural entities as the Philharmonic Orchestra Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, the National Museum, the Opera, the Printemps des Arts, the Grimaldi Forum, the Archives Audiovisuelles are involved in this great project . The role of the Director for Cultural Affairs is to federate them in order to provide the public with a cultural calendar according to the great tradition of Monaco, that is creative and daring.
Marina Grosoli Kerwat is the new President of the Monaco-Italy Association.
The change was planned for some time but the new appointment was made official at the Board of Directors of the association convened on 24th September.
At the end of the Board of Directors, the new president met members of the Association during a cocktail party who attended the Automobile Club de Monaco. There were many personalities including HSH Sovereign Prince, Mr. and Mrs. John Paul Proust, Minister of State; Mr Bernard Marquet, Vice-President of the National Council Stephane Valeri delegate, Canon Leon, representing the Archbishop of Monaco and TTHHEE Ambassadors from Italy and France in the Principality Marine Grosoli Kerwat succeeds Maitre Michel Boeri who since the establishment of the Association (in 2003) served as Chairman. His name and personality were important factors in the Association development inthe last few years and makes Monaco-Italy one of the main associations in the social landscape of Monaco. The outgoing President thanked the Board of Directors for the work done and stressed that the success of Monaco-Italy was also the result of the involvement of the Vice-President Enrico Braggiotti who wanted to create an association able to strengthen relations between Italy and Monaco, two countries with the same traditions and values. The new President thanked HSH Prince Albert II who encouraged her to accept her new mission and She too emphasized the importance of friendship between Italy and Monaco to her. She was born in Italy, and in Monaco she established herself as woman and mother. Promptly she showed the outline of the program she wants to lead in respect of actions already undertaken by the Association (scholarships, conference and cultural exchanges ...). She concluded her speech by stressing the important role of each member of the association, in order to keep making Monaco-Italy a dynamic association.
GALA FIGHT AIDS
Title : Fight Aids Monaco Summer Gala, concert of Christophe Maé. H.S.H. Princess Stephanie and her society Fight Aids Monaco organized Friday July 25th the traditional summer gala "diner-concert" intended to remind the danger of HIV/Aids.
On that occasion, Princess Stephanie's wish was a more modern "soirée" based on a cocktail and a dinner organized in Jimmy'z the famous disco before the beginning of the concert of Christophe Maé (elected artist of the year at the "Victoires de la Musique 2008). The first part of the concert was given by William Baldé, a confirmed artist who comes in first part of Christophe Maé during his summer tour.
Almost one thousand people came to support Fight Aids Monaco and Christophe Maé in the magnificent "Salle des Etoiles" of Monte-Carlo.
NEW PROMISES OF FIGHT AIDS
H.S.H Princess Stephanie unveiled, Friday June 13th 2008, the new promises of Fight Aids Monaco (FAM) located Villa Pasteur, 11 Bd Charles III in Monaco.
This inauguration took place in the presence of H.S.H. Prince Albert II, including many Government, Parliament and UNAIDS representatives (Princess Stephanie was appointed "Special Representative" in October 2006), as well as affiliates (people living with HIV), volunteers, members of the Board (FAM) and employees of Fight Aids Monaco.
Thanks to an innovative design and architecture, this structure will allow the seven volunteers and the five employees to welcome in comfortable conditions the 150 affiliates of FAM. This new space will facilitate group activities (computer class, yoga and theater cessions), organization of trips and outings (sports, concerts, etc.).
The Monaco Red Cross is 60 years old
Created by the degree of Prince Louis II in March 1948 and brought to life by a small group of volunteers, the Grand Old Dame of Monaco has reached 60 years old. Today she has a staff of 45, and a budget of 4 million euros of which 600,000 spent on local good causes. Amongst its overseas works number an orthopaedic clinic in Nigeria, equipment for a hospital in Cuba, a village of 230 houses in Indonesia and a primary school dedicated to Prince Rainer III in Timor. Local beneficiaries of funds include the Maurice Rossetti Institute for the handicapped in Nice and Villa Serena in Monaco that offers help to those suffering from Alzheimer’s.
AMADE: A 45-YEAR-LONG ASSOCIATION AND AN AGREEMENT WITH BURUNDI
AMADE, a forty-five-year world association of children's friends presided over by Princess of Hannover, gathered at the Hotel Metropole, on April 10th and 11th for its annual meeting. On that occasion, the Monegasque government and the members of the assembly decided to make a donation of €850.000,00 to Amade in Burundi. This sort of cooperation - three years long - is focused on concrete aid to the African countries especially to orphanages and serum positive and/or HIV-affected children.
THE FRIENDS OF LEBANON ASSOCIATION COLLECTS 630.000 EURO
Around 270 people participated in the Oriental Night at the Hotel de Paris, Monaco, organised by the Friends of Lebanon. The association and its president, Bouran Bouery, managed to collect 630,000 euro thanks to the bingo. The money is to be used to start a dispensary for a project that helps people sick with the HIV Virus. The evening was enhanced by the presence of the famous Lebanese singer, Assi Hallani, as well as numerous celebrities.
Gainsbourg I have come to tell you...
“Open your eyes, your ears and your hearts…” These were the words of Princess Stephanie, on Thursday night, the 20th March, when she attended the gala « GAINSBOURG, je suis venue te dire » at the Grimaldi Forum. The show journeyed through the career of the great Serge for the first time and featured all his best songs including ‘La Javanaise’, ‘Couleur Café’, ‘Comics Streep’, ‘Vieille Canaille’ and ‘Requiem pour un Con’, etc. The evening was completed with a theme dinner party in the Parisian style of ‘Saint Germain des Près’. Artists on stage included: Elie Semoun, Maurane, Martin Rappeneau, Passi, Vitaa, Patrick Bruel, Adrienne Pauly, David Hallyday, the famous Troupe du Roi Soleil, Lââm, Alizée, Agnés Jaoui, who all performed Serge Gainsbourg’ s loveliest songs, united under the patronage of Princess Stephanie. The musical accompaniment was provided by the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. Proceeds from this unique event are to be used for a cause close to the heart of Princess Stephanie: The construction of a Family Retreat House in Provence for people afflicted with HIV.
Serene Highness Princess Stephanie founded ‘Fight Aids Monaco’ (F.A.M.) in 2004 and is President of the charity which aims to inform people on HIV prevention and sustain those afflicted. Princess Stephanie, who has been the official representative of "ONUSIDA" since October 2006, works for the prevention of discrimination against HIV sufferers and in the fight to prevent the disease from spreading.