Annual reception of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council
The Economic, Social and Environmental Council’s traditional end-of-year cocktail reception – an event which, thanks to the COVID-19 crisis, has not been held for the last two years – made its return on Monday 21 November at the Oceanographic Museum. The reception was attended by H.E. the Minister of State, Pierre Dartout, several government ministers and a number of dignitaries from the Principality, as well as representatives from all parts of the economy and society.
The guests were welcomed by the Council’s Chair, Caroline Rougaignon-Vernin, who took the opportunity to deliver a brief report on the last two years, during which the Council has made lasting changes to its working practices, adopting special IT tools with support from the Prince’s Government.
Ms Rougaignon-Vernin then emphasised the importance of the Council’s advisory role, noting that the body provides a unique forum for dialogue and the submission of proposals. Its remit is to express wishes or give opinions on economic, social and environmental issues in the country.
During the last year, which marked the beginning of the Council’s twenty-fifth term, it was asked to advise on three pieces of draft legislation relating to the energy transition in the construction sector, the funding of supplementary pensions and the protection of personal data. The Council also put forward a variety of proposals covering the digital transition, the social sector, culture, education, finance and property.
In the words of its Chair, the Council’s work during its twenty-fifth term will “focus on the Principality’s attractiveness”, whether for employees, employers or residents.
In reflecting on the country’s future, the Council is also able to look to young people. The Chair reminded guests that, to date, 560 pupils from the Principality’s upper secondary schools have taken part in the Youth Economic, Social and Environmental Council, which was held for the sixteenth time this year. The young participants in these councils have already submitted 63 proposals to the country’s authorities.
Over the course of the evening, members of the Council and guests had an opportunity to network and chat while enjoying a friendly atmosphere.
Source: Monaco Government
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