Alongside Their Serene Highnesses Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco, Monica Bellucci, Richard Gere, Isabelle Huppert, Eva Herzigova, Catrinel Marlon, Aurélien Muller, Christina Aguilera, Plácido Domingo and Sister Sledge were in Monaco to mark the 20th anniversary of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
In the presence of the Princely Couple, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation celebrated its 20th anniversary on Friday 18 September with a prestigious gala evening held at the Salle Garnier of the Monte-Carlo Opera House, attended by numerous international celebrities.
The event highlighted the work carried out by the Foundation over the years and paid tribute to the Sovereign Prince’s long-standing commitment to environmental protection.
Princely family with Richard Gere, Monica Bellucci and Isabelle Huppert ®Philippe Fitte/FPA2
For two decades, the Foundation has worked internationally to help preserve ecosystems and advance planetary health, with a particular focus on combatting climate change and safeguarding biodiversity and water resources. With more than 830 projects supported around the world, it works alongside field practitioners, scientists, institutions and organisations committed to researching and implementing concrete responses to major ecological challenges.
®Philippe Fitte/FPA2
In his opening address, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco reflected on the convictions that led to the creation of his Foundation, the work accomplished to date and the collective responsibility that remains in the face of environmental challenges.
“Twenty years ago, I had come to a simple conclusion. A Head of State is given a position, a voice that is listened to, and a great many doors that open when he knocks; and it seemed to me that these were worth a good deal more if they were put to work for something that would outlast any reign. So I set out to build a foundation that could act where a State cannot always act: quickly, across borders, and for the long term.” said HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.
Maestro Placido Domingo ®Philippe Fitte/FPA2
Established in 2006 by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is an international non-profit organisation committed to environmental protection and the advancement of planetary health. Its work particularly focuses on climate change, biodiversity and water resources, with special attention given to the Mediterranean Basin, the Polar Regions and the Least Developed Countries. Since its creation, the Foundation has supported more than 830 projects around the world, in collaboration with scientists, NGOs, institutions, international organisations, local communities and economic stakeholders.
Catrinel Marlon ®Philippe Fitte/FPA2
A Gala celebrating commitment and generosity
The evening brought together in Monaco leading figures who came to support the Foundation’s work, including Monica Bellucci and Richard Gere, the Gala’s guests of honour.
®Philippe Fitte/FPA2
“I have great respect for HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco’s long-standing commitment to protecting our planet. His Foundation combines environmental action with genuine concern for people and future generations. I am very honoured to be here this evening and to support these shared values,” said Monica Bellucci.
Richard Gere on stage ®Philippe Fitte/FPA2
Richard Gere added:
“For twenty years, HSH Prince Albert II and his Foundation have helped keep environmental protection at the heart of the international conversation. I am honoured to be here to celebrate that commitment. Caring for our planet is inseparable from caring for one another, and lasting change depends on our ability to act with compassion, responsibility and a genuine sense of our shared humanity.”
Isabelle Huppert, as well as Eva Herzigova, Catrinel Marlon and Aurélien Muller, ambassadors for Chopard, also walked the evening’s “green” carpet. Their presence echoed one of the essential dimensions of the work carried out by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation over the past twenty years: building bridges between the scientific, institutional, economic, philanthropic and cultural worlds in order to amplify the voice of the living world as widely as possible.
Eva Herzigova ®Philippe Fitte/FPA2
A true homage to creativity and refinement, the dinner devised by Michelin-starred Chef Yannick Alléno delighted guests, who were immersed in the heart of the Amazon in a transformed Salle Garnier. Highlights of the evening included live performances by Christina Aguilera, Plácido Domingo and Sister Sledge, which punctuated a celebration united by a shared commitment to planetary health.
Finally, under the hammer of Simon de Pury, one exceptional lot followed another: works by Georges Condo, Urs Fisher and Secondino Hernández, an exclusive high jewellery creation by Chopard, unforgettable experiences alongside Richard Gere or at the heart of Maison Petrus, and a journey aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express.
Beyond the event itself, the evening brought together all those whose valuable support helps advance and sustain the Foundation’s action.
Aurelien Muller ®Philippe Fitte/FPA2
A commitment that continues
Since its creation, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has worked with a particular focus on the Mediterranean Basin, the Polar Regions and the Least Developed Countries. Its activities combine ecosystem protection, scientific research, support for field-based solutions, awareness-raising and international cooperation.
Maestro Placido Domingo on stage ®Philippe Fitte/FPA2
This 20th anniversary naturally marks an important milestone in the Foundation’s history, but above all it opens new prospects for continuing its work. Faced with growing pressures on the climate, biodiversity, the ocean and natural resources, the Foundation intends to pursue its mission alongside all those working to better understand, preserve and restore the balances on which the health of the planet depends.
Sister Sledge ®Philippe Fitte/FPA2
The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation extends its sincere thanks to its partners, Rolex and UBS, whose longstanding commitment provides invaluable support to its work.
The Foundation also warmly thanks all those who generously contributed to the auction, including Chopard, the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, Maison Petrus and the Belmond Group, as well as Carita for providing beauty services to the celebrity guests.
Christina Aguilera ®Ed Wright/FPA2
Christina Aguilera ®Philippe Fitte/FPA2
Richard Gere, Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II of Monaco ®Philippe Fitte/FPA2