Marking a unique fusion of fashion and philanthropy, six-year-old Valerie Kent is making a splash in Monaco, debuting her ‘Posh by Valerie’ collection under the guidance of her parents Geoffrey and Otavia Kent, supporting a Kenyan orphanage.
The pop-up launch, hosted at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo on 2nd December, included a vibrant fashion show featuring Valerie’s designs. The highlight of this fashion debut is its charitable angle: 10% of the proceeds are pledged to support an orphanage in Malindi, Kenya.
The initiative stands out not just for its fashion statements but for its deep-rooted commitment to social responsibility. Geoffrey Kent, known for his leadership in the travel industry through his company Abercrombie & Kent, and his worldwide adventures, highlighted the importance of this project in educating young minds about global issues: “It’s an eye-opening experience for the kids, helping them understand the world beyond our own.”
Posh by Valerie pop-up in the Salon Mistrau at the Fairmont Monte-Carlo. Photo by Monaco Life
The ‘Posh by Valerie’ collection, managed by Valerie’s mother, Otavia Kent, includes dresses, sets, and a special ski collection, all inspired by school themes and crafted to appeal to a younger demographic.
The support for the Malindi orphanage from ‘Posh by Valerie’ shows the Kent family’s strong commitment to global change. Geoffrey and Otavia Kent are leading their children, Valerie and her twin Geoffrey Jr., in blending fashion, business, and philanthropy in a meaningful way.
The pop up will last until 3rd December, open from 1:30pm to 6pm at Salon Mistrau, Fairmont Monte-Carlo.
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Main photo: Valerie (left), her twin brother Geoffrey Jr, and a friend during Saturday fashion show. Photo by Monaco Life
Ahead of its report on Monaco in 2025, a delegation from the Principality has taken part in the OECD Global Tax Forum in Lisbon, an international body working on the implementation of international standards for tax transparency.
The Monegasque delegation travelled to Lisbon, Portugal, for the 16th plenary meeting of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, organised by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) from Tuesday 28th November to 1st December.
The meeting was an opportunity for participants to focus on the collective achievements of the Global Forum over the past 15 years, of international tax cooperation in the fight against tax evasion and tax transparency, “international standards in which the Principality of Monaco is fully committed”, said the Monaco government in a statement. Discussions were also focused on the future work of the Global Forum to ensure the effective implementation of information exchange (ER) standards.
The morning of the first day was broadcast publicly, while the rest of the meetings were reserved for members, of which Monaco has been since 2009.
During this meeting, the OECD presented the points of attention that certain jurisdictions – including the Principality of Monaco – should be focussing on for the ongoing evaluations. They include confidentiality and data security as well as the effectiveness of the automatic exchange of information for tax purposes. The results of these evaluations will be published in 2025.
During this meeting, Monaco declared its intention to resume updating the Common Reporting Standard including the new Crypto-asset Reporting Framework (CDC).
For more information on this event and the OECD report, click on the link here.
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Prince Albert II of Monaco used his time on stage at COP28 to call for “tangible and credible commitments” from all present at the global climate action summit, before meeting with other Heads of State and UN Secretary-General António Guterres for a series of conferences, discussions and photo calls.
Prince Albert called on the many other Heads of State attending COP28 to make “tangible and credible commitments”. Photo credit: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco /COP28 / Christopher Pike / Mahmoud Khaled
Touching down in the UAE on Friday 1st December, fresh from a biodiversity and animal protection-focused trip to Malaysia and a brief visit to Singapore, Monaco’s Prince Albert was welcomed to the first big day of COP28 events by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Prince Albert II of Monaco is pictured centre with UN Secretary-General António Guterres (left) and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (right). Photo credit: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco /COP28 / Christopher Pike / Mahmoud Khaled
Shortly after, Prince Albert took to the stage to make a rousing speech in front of the numerous Heads of State and world leaders present, in which he called for “increased and rapid action to keep global temperature rises within the +1.5°C limit.
Monaco’s sovereign also offered “the full support of the Principality of Monaco to the Emirati Presidency in order to make this conference a success crowned with tangible and credible commitments that will put us on the path to a low-carbon and climate-resilient way of development”.
Prince Albert gave a speech to the world leaders gathered on the opening day of events at COP28 in Dubai. Photo credit: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco /COP28 / Christopher Pike / Mahmoud Khaled
Prince Albert later visited King Abdullah Shah of Malaysia at the nation’s dedicated Malaysian Pavilion space, before attending the Global Fund for Coral Reefs conference.
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Photo credit: Axel Bastello / Palais Princier de Monaco /COP28 / Christopher Pike / Mahmoud Khaled
In an era where innovation and business sectors reshape our world, the latest Forbes list of the wealthiest individuals offers a glimpse into the minds driving this transformation.
Topping the list of “real time billionaires” is Elon Musk, with a net worth of $246.1 billion. Known for SpaceX, Tesla and Twitter, now known as X, his innovative approach and entrepreneurial skills have firmly established him as the wealthiest individual globally as of November 2023.
Following Musk is Bernard Arnault, with a fortune of $191.9 billion. Arnault, the French business tycoon and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, oversees a vast empire encompassing 75 brands. His businesses have not only built a massive wealth, but also a significant influence in the luxury goods market.
Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, ranks third with a net worth of $166.6 billion. His transformation of a small startup in his garage into a global e-commerce giant is a testament to his visionary leadership and entrepreneurial spirit.
Larry Ellison, the American business magnate and Oracle Corporation’s co-founder and CTO, holds the fourth spot with $146.4 billion. Ellison’s contributions to the tech industry have not only revolutionised the field, but also amassed him a substantial fortune.
Warren Buffett, known as the ‘Oracle of Omaha,’ is fifth on the list with a net worth of $120.5 billion. As the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Buffett’s investment strategies and business skills have made him one of the most successful investors in the world.
Mark Zuckerberg, the brain behind Facebook, now Meta Platforms, is sixth with $119.3 billion. His influence on social media and technology innovation is undeniable and his hands continue to shape the digital landscape.
Seventh is Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, with a net worth of $116.9 billion. Gates’ impact on the technology industry is profound, and his investments and philanthropic efforts continue to influence various sectors.
Eighth on the list is Larry Page, the co-founder of Google and former CEO of Alphabet, with a net worth of $115.3 billion. Page’s contributions to the internet and technology have been pivotal in shaping the modern digital world.
Steve Ballmer, the former Microsoft CEO and current owner of the NBA’s Los Angeles Clippers, is ninth with a net worth of $111.5 billion. Ballmer’s leadership at Microsoft played a significant role in his wealth accumulation and his current status in the sports world.
Rounding out the Top Ten is Sergey Brin, the co-founder of Google and former president of Alphabet Inc., with a net worth of $110.6 billion. Brin’s innovations in internet search and advertising technologies have secured his position among the elite billionaires.
Monaco’s Métropole shopping mall has taken on the theme of an English-style Christmas for December 2023, with decorations and a festive vibe that transports shoppers to the streets of London without ever having to leave the Principality.
It’s that time of year again, where people start looking to the upcoming holidays with a mixture of joy, excitement and perhaps even a touch of nostalgia.
The Métropole mall is taking full advantage of the season this year, and has gotten behind a theme inspired by jolly old England, vowing to “celebrate the magic of Christmas in the English way, transporting visitors into a magical world of sumptuous decorations and captivating entertainment”.
The Métropole Shopping Centre in Monaco has ushered in the holiday season with a unique English-style Christmas theme. From 1st December to 6th January, the shopping centre has been transformed into a London-esque winter wonderland, with Paddington the bear, the epitome of British culture, making several appearances throughout the pop-ups boutiques and stalls dotted throughout the mall.
From steam trains to Paddington-like teddies, the decorations at the Métropole mall are inspired by “jolly old England”. Photo credit: Métropole Shopping Monte-Carlo
Holiday delights
Upon entering the shopping centre from 1st December, shoppers will be greeted with a warm, festive atmosphere reminiscent of London’s iconic Christmas markets. The decor features beautiful fir trees, twinkling fairy lights, and an array of baubles, setting the perfect holiday mood. For the children there are creative workshops and magical shows. Adults are not left out, with holiday pop-ups offering tastings and gift ideas.
“We are delighted to transform Métropole Shopping Centre into a magical place where families can come together to celebrate the holiday season,” says Valérie Gallet, General Director of Métropole Shopping Monte-Carlo. “This year’s Christmas brings a special touch of English tradition and elegance, and we look forward to providing our visitors with a memorable experience.”
A giant Christmas tree and numerous activities plunge visitors into the magic of the season, promising laughter, fun and surprises. The mall has organised a calendar of surprises, with each day revealing a new delight from one of the boutiques. These surprises are accessible through their Instagram, @Metropoleshoppingmontecarlo, and Facebook page, @Metropole Shopping Monte-Carlo.
The Métropole Shopping Centre has a mailbox for kids to deposit their wish lists for Father Christmas, which is located at Level 0. Father Christmas himself will be present in his workshop at the mall from 1st December, offering a chance for memorable photos and to attentively read and respond to the letters.
Children should head to Level 0 with their Christmas lists to send them off to the North Pole via the quintessentially English telephone box. Photo credit: Métropole Shopping Monte-Carlo
Adding to the festive spirit, exclusive guests like Maison Sacher and Panettone Vogue are back by popular demand. Maison Sacher offers a taste journey with their famous Sacher Torte, a closely guarded recipe, while Panettone Vogue brings exquisite Milanese panettone. Carolina Cake joins in with a blend of French patisserie expertise and Anglo-Saxon design, offering handcrafted and decorated cookies and treats in their pop-up store.
The Jardin de Noel pop-up is a go-to for Christmas decorations, filled with accessories and gifts to transform any interior into a magical holiday.
The experience runs through to 6th January. Hours are Monday to Saturday from 10am to 7.30pm, and from 11am to 7pm every Sunday in December. For more information, click here. Happy shopping!
AS Monaco achieved a notable 85-77 victory over Olympiacos Piraeus in the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Round 11 that was held at their home court of Salle Gaston Médecin on 30th November, moving their record to 7-4. The win served as a redemption for their last season’s Final Four loss and has strengthened their position in the race for the playoffs.
AS Monaco’s coach, Saša Obradović, reflected on the team’s performance at the press conference after the game, where he emphasised their defensive efforts.
“We defended pretty good, but we still failed on some situations,” he said, acknowledging both the team’s strengths and areas needing improvement.
The game saw Monaco finishing strong with a 12-4 run in the final two minutes, a testament to their resilience and tactical skills.
A need for sustained intensity
Mike James was instrumental, scoring 10 of his 24 points in the final three minutes, while Elie Okobo contributed 11 points. Obradović also praised the team’s rebounding ability, which was crucial in maintaining their lead.
Despite individual standouts, the game was a collective victory. Olympiacos, though they fought hard, saw their three-game winning streak snapped, dropping to 6-5. Isaiah Canaan led their scoring with 20 points, supported by Thomas Walkup and Alec Peters.
Obradovic highlighted the need for sustained intensity in his comments, saying, “[It] can be a bit mentally draining after this win as we’ve put all the energy in, but we have to keep the same intensity and aggressiveness throughout the season.”
The victory was a combination of strategic execution and teamwork for AS Monaco. With this morale-boosting win, they avenged a past defeat and solidified their position in the EuroLeague standings. Under Obradović’s leadership, the team is ready to tackle the challenges of a long and unpredictable season.
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The programme for the 40th anniversary edition of the “living art” Printemps des Arts festival has been released, and the ticket office has opened too. Here are all the details.
For 18 days next spring, the Principality will be filled with music and creativity when the Printemps des Arts festival returns for its landmark 40th edition.
“After 39 springs, the Festival remains faithful to what constitutes its essence: creation, the meeting between the arts, the rediscovery of works from the past which challenge us differently every day,” says Princess Caroline of Hanover, the ever-dedicated president of the event. “These works are neither immutable nor timeless: they are the fruit of a living art which is perpetually renewed, according to the style of the performers, according to the imagination of the listeners, according to the context in which the music is heard.”
NATURE AS THE STAR
Running from 13th March to 7th April, this celebration of the arts will place a heavy focus on our collective home – the planet Earth – and our relationship with nature, the environment and the circle of life.
This will be apparent in many aspects, but perhaps none so directly as through the works of Brazilian photographer, Sebastião Salgado, which can be explored at the screening of ‘Le Sel de la Terre’ on 17th March at the Cinéma des Beaux-Arts.
“Sebastião Salgado makes us understand that art is not limited to the beauty of light or the power of contrast; Salgado informs us, his way of fixing the ephemeral stirs our reflection, leads us to consider our world differently,” says the Princess of his unique talent.
It is a theme to be heard as well as seen and another highlight of the programme will be the iconic Gustav Mahler orchestral masterpiece, ‘Song of the Earth’, which will be performed in three different ways on three dates: 16th, 29th and 31st March.
As Bruno Mantovini, the Festival’s Artistic Director, so colourfully explains, “Nature and the animal world will also be in the spotlight during concerts offered by The Amazing Keystone Big Band [on 31st March], which will give a swinging vision of Camille Saint-Saëns’ ‘Carnival of the Animals’, by the Parisii Quartet [on 6th April], who will play the music of Joseph Haydn, the most earthly of all composers, and by the Unisoni Ensemble [on 30th and 31st March] who will introduce us to a veritable musical bestiary at the crossroads of the 17th and 18th centuries.”
SPECIAL CONCERTS AND EVENTS
Music is, of course, central to the event, and next spring’s programme will see some of today’s best performers taking on works by the musical geniuses of the past, from Johann Sebastian Bach, and Johannes Brahms to Maurice Ravel, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert and Felix Mendelssohn.
One particularly special event on the agenda, which is also very likely to sell out quickly, is an enchanting dinner-concert, where several musical works will intermingle with the delectable dishes of Chef Yannick Alléno . The sense of smell will be brought into the mix as, courtesy of perfume maker Clémence Besse, an olfactory interpretation of the ‘Song of the Earth’ using scent will be portrayed.
The programme in full can be found here and tickets are available now on the Printemps des Arts website. Click here for reservations.
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With a huge selection of positions to be filled, organisers of the Monaco Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka have put out a call for people who might be interested in working at the “sustainable society” themed event.
The Monegasque delegation in charge of the Principality’s participation at Expo 2025 is now actively looking for recruits to work at the sensational six-month-long event, which will be held in Osaka from 13th April to 13th October 2025.
WHO’S A GOOD CANDIDATE?
This thrilling opportunity to live and work in the vibrant city of Osaka, the second largest in the country after Tokyo and Japan’s economic hub, is open to roughly 30 people, says Mirielle Martini, the Monaco Pavilion’s deputy president.
“We’re looking for dynamic, motivated people who can adapt to a culture different from our own and who can promote the Principality on the other side of the world,” adds Martini. “Teamwork and versatility are also assets.”
Fluent English language skills are a requirement for all potential employees and a good level of Japanese is necessary for certain positions. Recruiting is open to Monegasque citizens and residents, as well as those from Monaco’s neighbouring French villages.
THEME FOR 2025
The theme for Expo 2025 is “Designing Future Society for Our Lives” and the event has three sub-themes: Saving Lives, Empowering Lives and Connecting Lives. The latter is Monaco’s chosen focus, and the Principality’s delegation will present sections on diet, exercise, lifestyle choices, sanitation, childhood inoculations and extending lives to name a few.
As of 14th November, 160 nations and nine international organisations had already confirmed that they will be part of the event, according to organisers in Japan.
The previous World Expo, held in Dubai from October 2021 to April 2022, had been delayed from its original 2020 time slot due to the pandemic. The Monegasque presence there made a big splash, with its impressive polygonal structure inspired by The Rock of Monaco.
Those wishing to apply must send a CV and cover letter by email to contact@pavillon.mc before 31st December.
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As COP28 unfolds in Dubai, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is set to make a profound impact with its dynamic presence and a focused agenda rich in discussions and initiatives for ocean conservation and climate action.
As the global community focuses on COP28 in Dubai, happening from 30th November to 12th December, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (FPA2) is gearing up to make a substantial impact from 1st to 4th December.
The schedule
Kicking off on 1st December, the FPA2 will host the ‘Ocean Innovators Platform Roundtables’. This event, stretching from 9am to 4pm at the St Regis, promises in-depth discussions on marine ecosystem protection, the latest in marine CDR technology and innovations in green shipping.
The day will continue with the event entitled ‘Building the New, Blue Economy: Investing for Sustainable Oceans and Climate’ from 5pm to 6.30pm that will present the importance of sustainable investments. The day’s activities will conclude with the OceanXplorer cocktail reception from 6pm to 9.30pm at Dubai Harbour, an event dedicated to fostering innovation for ocean health.
The momentum will continue on 2nd December with the session called ‘Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement: A Guide to Responsible, Transparent, and Inclusive Research’ from 8am to 9am at the Ocean Pavilion.
This will be followed by ‘The Role of Environmental Philanthropy in the Implementation of UN Process’ from 9am to 12.30pm at the Science for Climate Action Pavilion. The day will later feature the ‘Sea of Change’ discussion from 11am to 12pm, which will focus on combating plastic pollution and protecting blue economies in the Mediterranean. 2nd December will wrap up with the ‘Ocean Innovators Platform High-Level Meeting’ from 5pm to 6pm at the Jameel Arts Centre. The central theme of the session will be ‘Blue Capital’ and its impact in ocean innovation.
‘Ocean Decade Foundations Dialogue: Philanthropic Cooperation for Effective Action in Ocean Science for Climate Action’ will lead the programme on 3rd December, and will take place from 1.15pm to 2.45pm at the Science for Climate Action Pavilion. Following this, from 2pm to 4pm at the IAEA Pavilion, the focus shifts to ‘Ocean Acidification in the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean: Scaling Down Risks and Scaling Up Solutions’.
Finishing off on 4th December, the FPA2 will shift its focus to regional perspectives with ‘Implementation of the Ocean Decade in Africa: Looking at Oceans from a Specific Regional Perspective’ from 12.30pm to 2pm at the Moroccan Pavilion. This session will underscore the unique challenges and solutions pertinent to the African context.
Throughout these four days at COP28, the FPA2, along with appearances by Prince Albert II, will foster dialogues and partnerships aimed at a sustainable and resilient future for our oceans and the planet.
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Before joining world leaders in Dubai for COP28, and on the back of his first official trip to Malaysia, Prince Albert made a fleeting visit to Singapore on Thursday, where he met with leaders of start-ups specialising in bio-technologies and pharmaceuticals.
With the support of Jacky Deromedi and Jean-Marc Deromedi, Consuls of Monaco in Singapore, the Prince spoke with officials from the island of Sentosa on the theme of eco-responsibility in the hotel sector.
Prince Albert in Singapore with his Foundation. Photo credit: Michael Alesi / Palais Princier
Prince Albert also met with Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore.
At the end of the evening, Prince Albert and his Monegasque delegation, which includes members of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, left the city-state to go to Dubai to attend COP28.
Against a backdrop of environmental urgency and economic complexities, COP28 has begun in Dubai, marking a significant moment for global climate discussions in one of the world’s leading oil states.
COP28, taking place in Dubai’s Expo City from 30th November to 12th December, brings global attention to the UAE.
This key climate summit is unfolding in a nation deeply rooted in the oil industry, sparking discussions about its influence on climate change policies. The UAE’s role as host for COP28 highlights the intricate dynamics between reliance on fossil fuels and the pressing demand for environmental action.
Global leaders gather at COP28
COP28 is bringing together a remarkable array of global leaders and key figures.
Sultan Al Jaber is the UAE’s Minister for Advanced Technology and acting COP28 President, but also leads the national oil company Adnoc, highlighting the complex interplay between environmental policy and the oil industry at the summit.
Other key voices include UN Secretary-General António Guterres, King Charles III of the United Kingdom and Monaco’s own Prince Albert II, who will be there to present the Principality’s commitment to environmental issues from 1st to 4th December.
Other prominent attendees include: Simon Stiell, the UNFCCC’s executive secretary; Ajay Banga, the World Bank president; John Kerry, the US special presidential envoy for climate; Wopke Hoekstra, the EU climate commissioner; China’s climate envoy Xie Zhenhua; and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Key challenges and ambitious goals
At COP28, key discussions will centre on enhancing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to encompass emissions from all sectors, including agriculture, and improving accountability for climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
A major focus is on financial support for climate action, with developed nations nearing the goal of providing $100bn annually to assist developing countries. The summit will also address the ‘Loss and Damage’ fund, which was established at COP27 to aid countries affected by climate disasters, with the European Union ready to contribute, though other major economies’ commitments are uncertain.
Notably, there will be a crucial debate on the future of fossil fuels, weighing options between a gradual reduction or a complete phase-out, especially significant in the context of the summit’s oil-producing host nation.
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France has pledged to raise the first “tobacco-free generation” by 2032 with an ambitious national anti-smoking plan that will see the habit banned in thousands of public spaces, including on beaches and in parks.
Following President Emmanuel Macron’s promise to establish “the first tobacco-free generation” by 2032, the French government is stepping up its national strategy to curb smoking, a habit enjoyed by at estimated 12 million people in France.
Taking the responsibility away from local authorities, the French government will soon control the zones and areas where people can and cannot smoke, as announced by Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau on 28th November.
“We are now shifting the responsibility and establishing a principle which will become the rule,” Rousseau said of the plan to designate many public spaces no-go zones for smoking, such as parks, forest areas, beaches, and near schools.
PUBLIC APPROVAL
There are currently 7,200 French smoke-free zones, including numerous spots in Nice, which was among the pioneering cities to take concrete actions against ant-social smoking. Nice established its first “smokeless” beach in 2012.
Dozens of other towns and cities have also since installed non-smoking areas on beaches, from locally along the Riviera and in Monaco to Saint-Malo and Biarritz. The concern about smoking on the beaches is two-fold, with the health aspect joining the environmental one. Cigarette butts left on beaches are the second biggest litter problem on coastal areas, after plastic bottles.
Smoking has also been forbidden in restaurants in France since 2008, and despite initial concerns that it would ruin businesses, it has been a success, meeting with approval by the public.
DETERRING THE YOUNGER GENERATION
To strengthen the case, government is planning on hitting smokers further in the pocketbook, saying taxes on cigarettes will be raised so that a pack of 20 will soon cost about €11. This will incrementally increase to €13 by 2027.
The main objective of the new plan is to prevent young people from ever taking up smoking in the first place, and the measures taken so far seem to be working. There has been a steady decline in smoking for young people since 2017, which will no doubt continue as high prices become a more of a deterrent.
In addition to traditional cigarettes, there is also a movement in the government to ban “puffs”, the popular single-use disposable vapes favoured by young people. These devices are said to be environmentally unfriendly as well as health hazards.
“Every year, France pays a heavy price for smoking, which remains the leading cause of avoidable mortality,” said Rousseau.
Smoking causes up to 75,000 preventable deaths each year in France.
Click here for more information on the national programme.
The Prince Rainier III-themed Village de Noël in Port Hercules will soon be joined by the new ‘Sport Village’ on Quai Albert Ier. Here are all the details.
If you’ve completed the Christmas Village just next door and need a place for the kids to let off a bit more steam, or maybe work off a few of those Christmas cookies and cakes yourself, then look no further than the brand-new Sport Village that is being laid on by the Mairie de Monaco.
At 4pm on 15th December, and on the Quai Albert Ier, the new action-packed facility will be launching mere steps away from the dazzling Christmas Village that opens a week earlier, on 7th December.
The Sport Village is being touted as a “vast area of fun and sporting activities” with multiple attractions to get the young and the old moving.
Among them are: a treetops adventure course for kids aged eight and up; a climbing structure made up of several different routes of varied levels of difficulty, and appropriate for those six and older; and three Ninja Warrior obstacle courses, with the first aimed at the three to six-year-old crowd, then one for those aged six to 12, and a final option for over 12s. These last two courses are over 50 metres long!
Additionally, there will be a 180-metre long zipline for thrill-seekers brave enough to try. People can soar over the Route de la Piscine with a start from the high dive board at the Stade Nautique Rainier swimming pool.
The Sport Village will stick around until 7th January at 10.30pm.
In a happy yet surprising turn of events, the International Olympic Committee has announced that it is entering into “targeted” negotiations with France after its PACA-Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes bid to host the 2030 Winter Games outperformed all other contenders.
Following the initial round of discussions concerning the possible location of the 2030 Winter Olympic Games on 28th November, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) made the surprise announcements that the Southern France bid shared by the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes regions was so strong that it had become the sole candidate.
The French bid, which includes plans for the construction of a massive ice rink in Nice, was a last-minute addition to a list that included Sweden and Switzerland, but clearly demonstrated its strengths and potential to position itself as the leading, and now only, contender.
Karl Stoss, Head of the IOC Future Host Commission, has confirmed that the IOC will now move into “targeted dialogue” with France’s Olympic Committee, with the goal of awarding the 2030 spot officially at the 142nd IOC Session in Paris next July, when the French capital will be hosting the 2024 Olympic Games.
VENUES ON THE COAST AND IN THE ALPS
While the majority of the outdoor and mountain-based events will take place in resorts such as Méribel, Courchevel, Val d’Isère and La Clusaz, the indoor competitions – hockey, speed skating, figure skating and curling, for example – could be held in a new purpose-built facility in Nice.
The long-time mayor of the city, Christian Estrosi, took to social media to express his delight at the prospect, saying “In a little over six years, the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games could be held in the French Alps, [it is] the only file retained by the IOC for the final stage! This is fantastic news for our country, our region, the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis and the City of Nice.”
He went on to add, “The IOC considered this to be the only application that had all the assets for the organisation of these Games in 2030. These Olympics are a fantastic opportunity for Nice: to make France shine on the world stage and also to provide our territory with equipment that will mark the 21st century.”
French Olympic Committee President David Lappartient has previously stated that 95% of the sites and facilities needed for the Games are already in place, and a budget of €1.5 billion has already been secured to ensure the venues are correctly provisioned for such a major occasion. The ice rink in Nice will be the recipient of a portion of those funds.
This will be France’s fourth time hosting the Winter Games, after Chamonix in 1924, Grenoble in 1968 and Albertville in 1992.
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