Ambassador Lorenzo Ravano – Promoting Monaco on a Global Scale

His Excellency Ambassador Lorenzo Ravano sets an excellent example in elevating the attractivity of the Principality of Monaco to an international level.

Currently, the Principality of Monaco has diplomatic relations with 159 States, and 13 Ambassadors, mainly based in Europe and North America, are accredited to 23 countries as well as to major International Organisations. 

In addition, 3 non-resident Ambassadors, based in Monaco, are accredited to 5 countries (Australia, China, India, Japan, and Russia). 

Finally, Monaco can count on 132 Consulates in 85 countries. In Germany, there are Honorary Consuls in Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich, Stuttgart and Potsdam, as well as one in Vienna (Austria), and one in Warsaw (Poland).

Ambassador Lorenzo Ravano has been the Ambassador of the Principality of Monaco in Germany since June 21, 2022. But his portfolio is actually much wider, since he is also accredited to Austria and Poland, Permanent Representative of Monaco to the Office of the United Nations in Vienna, including the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO). 

In addition, Ambassador Ravano is the Permanent Representative to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and represents Monaco to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) and to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation (based in Poland).

Ambassador Ravano speaks French, English, Italian, German and Spanish, is married and has three children.

What motivated you to choose the diplomatic career?

“I have always been attracted by serving my country. After my studies, I joined the Government where I fulfilled several missions from public works to tourism, and eventually to philately (stamps, a very important symbol of Sovereignty for a country).

After 15 successful years as a civil servant in Monaco, I had the privilege of being selected in 2008 to serve the Principality as a diplomat in Washington D.C.

I have always been deeply drawn to the idea of fostering understanding and collaboration between different cultures and countries. 

The diplomatic career would then allow me to channel this passion into official meaningful action and forging strong international relationships. 

Finally, I would serve in the capital of the first country in the world… what else could I ask for?”

Before arriving in Berlin, Ambassador Ravano served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Monaco in Washington D.C. from 2008 through 2017, where he was also accredited to Canada and to the Organization of American States.

Consecutively, Ambassador Ravano served in the capacity as Minister-Counsellor, Deputy Head of Mission of Monaco’s Embassy in Berlin, before being elevated to the rank of Ambassador in June 2022.

You have worked in multiple countries and experienced very diverse cultures. What was the experience you think of as the highlight of your career?

“In most of our Embassies, which cover one or more countries, there are two diplomats (an Ambassador and a Deputy). This means that, as a Deputy, you are representing the Ambassador very often, enabling you to meet world leaders. 

To this extent, while I was posted in Washington DC, which is “the place to be for any Diplomat”, I had the extraordinary privilege to meet, jointly with their spouses, President Clinton, President Bush, and President Obama, Vice-President Biden (at that time), the Directors of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, Nobel Prizes, Hollywood actors, and so many other unforgettable VIPs.

In Berlin, you have the same kind of opportunity, although maybe not on a similar scale!”

The successful integration of different cultures is a key element of the Principality of Monaco’s prosperity as the country has residents from over 140 nations. Utilising his vast experience in different cultures, Ambassador Ravano is on a diplomatic mission.

What is your main goal as an Ambassador representing Monaco abroad?

“Having the opportunity to represent a country like the Principality of Monaco is, in many aspects, a blessing mission. 

Indeed, Monaco has more friends than enemies, and many assets allowing its positive image to expand all around the world. However, competition exists, and we need to keep the visibility and attractivity of Monaco as high as possible.

Being an Ambassador is a multiple-dimensional mission. 

First and foremost, I represent H.S.H. Prince Albert II and promote the priorities His Highness sets for Monaco, in Germany, Austria and Poland. As you can imagine, this is an honour, but also a high responsibility. 

Furthermore, on a bilateral level, my role is to promote the Principality of Monaco in general and contribute to strenghtening relations between the Principality and the countries under my jurisdiction, mainly through economic, diplomatic, or cultural activities. 

My mission is to build bridges, to assist Monegasque companies to enter new markets, as well as enhancing the attractivity of Monaco and convincing high-level individuals to invest and eventually become residents of the Principality. 

Finally, on a multilateral level, my role is to join other countries in promoting common core principles and fundamental values such as the preservation of the rule of law and the promotion of human rights, democracy, gender equality, the respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity among others.

I contribute to bringing the voice of Monaco to a global scale in multilateral fora.”

Ambassador Ravano strongly believes that connecting Monaco residents with foreign people interested in the Principality is a win-win situation. Offering the opportunity to people to receive first-hand information about the living environment of the Principality is an invaluable commodity that can open horizons and benefit everyone.

During the annual diplomatic reception of the Principality of Monaco, Ambassador Ravano offered an authentic platform for the diplomatic and political scene in Berlin, when he invited 14 Monaco residents to share their personal experiences on living and having a business in Monaco.

Ambassador Ravano entrusted Niche Media to curate the 12 residents from different fields of activities. Among the selected residents were (in alphabetical order):

Olga Barrale has been a Monaco resident for 14 years. She has been involved in the most prestigious events of the Principality of Monaco. Using her vast experience in events and PR, she is also the founder of Haute Models, the only authorised modelling agency in the Principality of Monaco. Olga is Australian-Latvian, and a mother of three Monegasque children.

Antonio Bertelli is a long-term resident since 1998; and serial entrepreneur, owning multiple businesses. In Monaco he is involved in Food distribution, Printing services and he is also a co-owner of the Living in Monaco magazine. He was present at the Annual Diplomatic Reception with his wife, Mara Melosi.

Long-term resident for 14 years, Claudia Cherki perfected a champagne that is worthy of the highest standards. Beside her gastronomic venture, Claudia is also the ambassador of a recycled clothing brand, leaving a footprint to inspire others.

Dodo Newman is an artist who spent many years in Monaco. Marc Reinhardt is the Executive Vice President of Capgemini, and he is well known in political circles. The couple met at a Monaco presentation in Berlin, Germany.

Alessandro Ponzi is a real-estate investor, entrepreneur and long-term resident for 13 years.

Marina Shcherbina is a new resident in Monaco, she has lived here for almost two years. She is an artist and fashion model, and a mother of two.

Daniela Spanier has been living in Monaco since 2010. As the only Bolivian resident of the Principality of Monaco, and the founder of Me-Connect, an International Philanthropic Co-operation Office in charge of International Business Development between foreign entities and businesses within the Principality of Monaco.

Zsolt Szemerszky is the founder of the Living in Monaco magazine. The magazine was established in 2013, and it is the biggest English magazine, reaching out to 5,000 households in Monaco.

Serial entrepreneur Daniel Vicari and his partner Elena Magnino are both long-term residents of Monaco (Elena since 2008). They have multiple activities in Monaco. Their latest creation in which they collaborate together is a beauty and skincare line, called Luxe Aura Monte Carlo.