Brimming with Neapolitan joy and conviviality, this warm and vibrant woman from the south of the Italian peninsula, Manuela Ruoli was appointed the Italian Ambassador to Monaco (she insists on using the masculine form!) almost two years ago.
Her Excellency the Ambassador kindly answered our questions, outlining her goals as to further fostering the ties between Monaco and neighbouring Italy, Italians being the third largest community in the Principality following the Monegasques and French. After all, who doesn’t have a drop of Italian blood in their veins in Monaco?
Hello Monaco: We are talking about only 20% of ambassadors being women worldwide. Miles away from gender parity, isn’t it? How would you explain this kind of low ratio?
Manuela Ruosi: I am not particularly pessimistic about the presence of women in the professional world, diplomatic careers included.
Over the decades, we’ve seen a significant increase in the proportion of women employed in the diplomatic service. Especially if we compare back to when I was first appointed — senior positions, both at the ministry and abroad, were indeed predominantly reserved for male colleagues.
HM: As a woman, are there any specific actions you envisage taking, both sociologically and culturally, to make women more visible in both our countries?
Manuela Ruosi: Talking about that, I would like to point out that the context in which I am performing my Ambassador duties has already much evolved in terms of valuing and strengthening women’s role in society and at the workplace. A number of Monaco women’s associations (such as “Women Leaders”) are now hosting events celebrating the experience and career paths of women internationally in a variety of fields. Nowadays they embody excellence in professions that used to be almost exclusively reserved for men.
Another one I have in mind is Monaco Women’s Forum, annually honouring women who distinguished themselves thanks to their expertise in the science, finance, culture or in the field of Space.
HM: Following a distinguished career and other prestigious positions, you have now been Ambassador to Monaco for almost two years. The first woman in this role, what are your priorities in terms of building even closer ties between Italy and Monaco, two countries already much connected in every respect?
Manuela Ruosi: First and foremost, I am particularly attached to my “Ambassador’s” title used in the masculine form. It is “conditioned” by historical “legacy” — the title “ambassadrice” being reserved for the Ambassador’s wife. I also believe it is important to emphasize the role, not the gender, of the one appointed. I am obviously honoured, however, to be the very first female Ambassador to the Principality. I must admit that this “novelty” has been warmly welcomed here, at all levels, by both the authorities and residents. After this very warm welcome, I immediately took to both the daily life of Monaco (I was already somewhat familiar with it) and its institutional life. A relationship of trust and open communication was quickly established with the local authorities, making it naturally easier to address any possible issues.
The relations between Italy and Monaco have always been strong, fruitful and dynamic. My goal is to work towards boosting our political dialogue, with an aim of further fostering trade.
HM: In March, you held the Italy–Monaco Entrepreneurial Forum designed to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. The Principality already counts 2,500 Italian-owned businesses and more than 9,000 Italian workers. What does the future hold for you? And what is the outcome of this particular Forum?
Manuela Ruosi: Italian and Monaco companies exchanged their views on four particularly important subjects in terms of our business cooperation: luxury goods, tourism, yachting and finance, confirming a strong interest of the business community in bilateral economic relations. The above discussions made it obvious that the economic cooperation between the two countries continues to expand. Our trade has reached particularly significant levels. Some 2,500 Italian companies present in the Principality demonstrate a high degree of integration between the two economic systems. This initiative has undoubtedly had an extremely positive impact on Italian–Monaco cooperation, fostering a synergistic collaboration and promising mutual benefits for both of us. Furthermore, the Forum has undoubtedly contributed to improving the Principality’s image in Italy. Monaco is an attractive destination for new Italian investors and for high-level visits. This recent event has also fostered exchanges and cooperation in the environmental field.
HM: You have recently visited the Monaco Scientific Centre, committed to saving our seas and oceans. Do you foresee any further such cooperation particularly for the Mediterranean bordering France, Monaco and Italy?
Manuela Ruosi: The Principality of Monaco boasts an ecosystem conducive to scientific research, particularly in marine sciences, study and protection of marine environments, not to mention its innovative business management. Invariably encouraged by its sovereigns, the Principality’s commitment to science is deeply rooted in its history. It is also evidenced by a number of foundations and scientific institutions established by the Grimaldi family members.
Thanks to these prestigious institutions operating in the fields of marine biology, environmental protection, business management and technological innovation, the Principality of Monaco stands out as a major scientific research centre. The synergy between all these entities is key to the Principality successfully addressing global challenges and actively contributing to sustainable development and environmental protection.
HM: Now that you have received the Minister of Foreign Affairs, do you plan on inviting Prime Minister Georgia Meloni to Monaco for a state or at least an official visit?
Manuela Ruosi: I do not rule out the possibility of welcoming other high-level Italian officials in Monaco. As I mentioned, my mandate’s main ambition is that of emphasizing our bilateral political dialogue. My efforts are therefore primarily aimed at strengthening and developing the multilateral cooperation between our two countries.
HM: Are you happy living in Monaco?
Manuela Ruosi: I have received a very warm welcome and I feel perfectly integrated here in Monaco.
