During his trip to South America, the Prince made his first official visit to Paraguay, at the invitation of Santiago Peña, President of the Republic of Paraguay.
On Monday, November 3, upon his departure from Asunción, the Prince was welcomed to Paraguay with military honours for a 48-hour visit. The Sovereign began by visiting the National Pantheon of Heroes, a major site of remembrance and a symbol of Paraguayan history, where he lay a wreath.
Prince Albert II was then received at the Presidential Palace by President Santiago Peña during an official ceremony in the gardens, followed by bilateral talks and a larger meeting between the delegations. Prince Albert II received the Order of Marshal Francisco Solano López and President Peña was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Saint Charles. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Paraguay and Monaco, particularly in the areas of the environment, trade, and culture. The First Lady of Paraguay, Leticia Ocampos, also attended the ceremony.
The Sovereign then delivered an opening address at a Paraguayan Economic Conference, attended by 11 companies from the Principality as well as Paraguay’s President.
“It is a true pleasure and an honour to speak today at the opening of this Paraguay-Monaco Business Forum….This forum marks a new chapter in the friendship between Paraguay and Monaco, a partnership founded on trust and shared responsibility. We can transform our aspirations into concrete actions for the good of both countries,” said Prince Albert II in his speech.
The visit continued with a tour of the Itaipu Binacional hydroelectric power plant, located on the Paraná River on the border between Brazil and Paraguay. Built between 1975 and 1982, it is one of the most powerful in the world and the largest in terms of cumulative energy production. Classified as one of the “Seven Wonders of the Modern World”, it is nearly 8 km long and 196 m high. During his visit to the viewpoint overlooking the dam, the Prince signed the guestbook and planted a tree.
Prince Albert II speaks at COP 30 in Brazil and Congratulates Prince William
The Prince travelled to South America from November 3 to November 8. During the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP), Prince Albert II addressed the opening plenary session of Heads of State, dedicated to the major challenges of the global fight against climate change. Before addressing the COP30 on November 6, Prince Albert II congratulated Prince William on winning The Earthshot Prize, which took place in Rio de Janeiro on November 4 and 5.
The Belém Climate Summit brought together Heads of State and Government, ministers, and representatives of international organizations to address the main challenges and strengthen commitments to climate action.
During his address to Round Table No. 1, “Climate and Nature: Forests and Oceans,” the Prince reiterated his long-standing and ongoing commitment to the preservation of oceans and forests, following in the footsteps of his great-great-grandfather, Prince Albert I. Discussions focused on a just and inclusive energy transition, the protection of tropical forests and local communities, climate finance for vulnerable countries, and international cooperation to implement the Paris Agreement.
The Prince emphasized the vital link between forests and oceans and called for climate action to be based on nature-based solutions. He cited initiatives by Monaco, such as blue carbon projects in Africa and the assessment of carbon storage in underwater forests.
Finally, Prince Albert II stressed the need for COP30 to be about “implementation, based on solidarity and shared responsibility, in order to transform commitments into concrete actions for the planet and future generations”.
“Yes Women Monaco” will award Princess Stephanie
Yes Women Monaco, a new philanthropic movement championing female solidarity and charitable innovation, will be awarding Princess Stephanie for Fight Aids Monaco, an association she founded more than twenty years ago, during a celebration at La Môme Monte-Carlo on December 1, coinciding with World AIDS Day. Christien Roos, creator of Penduka in Namibia, a project aimed at empowering marginalized women through artisanal entrepreneurship, will also be awarded.
The trophies, created by London-based artist Rizlaine El Glaoui, will be presented to the two winners. Yes Women Monaco is the result of a collaboration between Nicole Dionne, wife of Dr. Gervais Dionne, co-discoverer of triple therapy against AIDS, and Sophie Girone, founder of the agency Le Boudoir d’Highlights. Their aim is to highlight women who dedicate their lives to charitable causes, while reinventing fundraising methods.
Princess Charlene chooses Winning Jersey for Monaco U16 Rugby Players!
Princess Charlene, President of the Monegasque Rugby Federation, has chosen the jersey that will be worn by Monaco’s players in Dubai, with 158 young artists from grade six to grade nine submitting their designs for the creative jersey competition. For five weeks, guided by their art teachers, the middle school students took on the challenge of designing a jersey blending the symbols of Monaco and South Africa, while also incorporating the logos of the Monegasque Rugby Federation and the Princess Charlene Foundation.
Accompanied by her brother Gareth Wittstock, the Princess congratulated the participants before praising the creativity of the 17 finalists. Yohann Fonkoa, a ninth-grade student, won the grand prize and will see his design worn by the U16 national team at the Dubai International Tournament at the end of November. He will also receive a jersey signed by the players.
Prince Albert II welcomed to Ayrton Senna Institute by Family of Legendary driver
In Pinheiros, Brazil, Prince Albert II gave a brief welcome address in front of Ayrton Senna’s famous McLaren, before being greeting by the driver’s family: Bianca Senna, CEO of Senna Brands, Paula Lalli Senna, Bruno Senna and his nieces and nephews. There, the Sovereign signed the official replica of the Brazilian champion’s “Monaco 1987” helmet.
The Prince then visited an exhibition specially prepared for his visit, showcasing a selection of iconic pieces from Ayrton Senna’s personal collection, highlighting his close ties with the Principality.
The visit continued with a presentation of the Senna Project, illustrating the remarkable educational and social impact of the Ayrton Senna Institute and its main achievements.
The Ayrton Senna Institute, founded by the driver and his sister, Viviane Senna-Lalli, its President, promotes the development and education of young Brazilians, in partnership with businesses, schools and other organizations.
