For the love of the ocean & to fight climate change
On Thursday, September 26, 2019 Prince Albert II of Monaco presided the 3rd edition of the annual Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean organized by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation on the terraces of the Casino, during the Yacht Show. The guest of honor this year was no other than renowned American actor, director and producer Robert Redford.
A cast of international celebrities gathered in the Principality in support of Prince Albert Foundation’s initiatives to save the ocean and stem the effects of climate change. Masters of Ceremony Nicole Kidman, Uma Thurman and Andy Garcia, as well as special guests Patricia Arquette and Chris Tucker came on stage to present exclusive items of the exceptional auction conducted by Simon de Pury. Thanks to the generosity of the guests and bidders, the auction was a huge success, equivalent to the 2018 edition that had raised 7,5 million Euros that were dedicated to sustainable actions to preserve the oceans.
(Photo: Prince Albert II and celebrities at Global Ocean Gala, Monaco, 2019 ©Eric Mathon Palais Princier)
Among the prestigious guests walking the blue carpet were, the Arctic and Antarctic Poles ambassador former minister Segolene Royal, actress Jayne Seymour, former F1 driver Nico Rosberg, tennis pro Stan Wawrinka, and top models Adriana Lima, Jasmine Sanders, and our own Monaco resident model and actress Victoria Silvstedt. The program for the fantastic show included famous singer Gwen Stefani, the tenor Andrea Bocelli, Kool & the Gang and Robin Thicke, who energizing the night with their outstanding performances for the privilege of the 800 guests. Michelin-star Chef Philippe Joannes concocted a delicious sophisticated menu fit for royalty.
The 2019 theme of this prestigious event, hosted by Global Fundraising Chairman Milutin Gatsby, immersed the attendees in a universe of ice, recalling the environmental challenges affecting the polar regions, with the wellbeing of the Ocean and the Poles being inextricably linked. In his presentation, Prince Albert emphasized that the Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean was the culminating event of a very special week dedicated to the Ocean with the launch of the IPCC special report on Ocean and Cryosphere, and the UN Secretary-General’s Climate Action Summit.
“This is the time for collective responsibility, a shared commitment, a joint undertaking. This is time for generosity. This is the stage we are at this evening, and it is why I am particularly happy to welcome you all. I am particularly grateful to witness your commitment once again this year. And particularly proud of being able to continue with you, and thanks to you, the wonderful work that was carried out after the last two galas,” declared Prince Albert.
Robert Redford honored with Special Award
The evening also saw Robert Redford presented with the “Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Special Award” in recognition of his career-long commitment to protecting the environment.
Accepting the prize, the actor, director and producer said, “The information we’ve heard over the course of the last few days, coming out of the United Nations report on the health of our oceans, is yet another reminder that our window of opportunity to change course, is sadly narrowing each and every day. If ever there was a time to raise awareness and inspire actions, it is right now. This is it. This is our only planet. This may be our last chance.” He added: “We have to pass on the baton to the new generation.”
In bringing together global philanthropists, policymakers, business leaders, scientists and celebrities, Prince Albert II and his Foundation once again are taking the lead to bring solutions to scale and address the existential crisis facing the world’s Ocean and its impact on our climate.
All proceeds from the Monte-Carlo Gala for the Global Ocean and its auction support the Foundation’s Ocean initiatives, including the development of marine protected areas, the protection of threatened marine species, the mitigation of the impact of climate change and acidification on the Ocean, as well as fight against plastic pollution. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated more than 55 million euros to initiate or support more than 470 projects around the world.
Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation
In June 2006, Prince Albert II of Monaco established his Foundation to address our planet’s alarming environmental situation. The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is dedicated to the protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable development on a global scale.
The Foundation supports initiatives of public and private organizations, in the fields of research and studies, technological innovation and socially aware practices. The Foundation supports projects in three main geographical zones, the Mediterranean Basin, the Polar Regions and the Least Developed Countries and focuses its efforts on three main areas: climate change, biodiversity and water resources.
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has 10 international branches in Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the USA.
Today’s Quote
“I think the environment should be put in the category of our national security. Defense of our resources is just as important as defense abroad. Otherwise what is there to defend?” Robert Redford
Monaco Reporter 