MONACO — The MENA region has made considerable efforts to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, said Prince Albert II of Monaco, a well-known environmentalist.

In an interview with Arab News en Francais, he applauded the developments on environmental front in the MENA region as “the quite remarkable projects and initiatives”.. He was also optimistic about the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) that will be held in Dubai, UAE, in December. Other important pro-environment efforts in the MENA region include Saudi Green Initiative and Middle East Green Initiative.

“I take great pleasure in highlighting and showing that we are also partners in many of these projects. Quite admirable projects, like Masdar,” Prince Albert II reportedly said, referring to the UAE’s ambitious eco-friendly city.

“The Masdar project is emblematic of the sustainable development strategy that our countries are committed to pursuing,” Prince Albert II told the French edition of the Saudi Arabia-based Arab News.

Highlighting the importance of partnerships and joint initiatives, Prince Albert II said, “The fight against climate change and the preservation of biodiversity cannot be won by isolated efforts. It requires the commitment of all stakeholders – governments, companies, civil society – and the sharing of best practices.”

We must work together for a more sustainable and more just world. Our future, and the future of generations to come, depends on it.

Prince Albert II of Monaco

While the Prince Albert II Foundation of Monaco focuses on local environmental protection and promoting sustainable development, its influence also extends to the global stage.

“The foundation supports various projects through partnerships with other entities, particularly by sharing best practices,” Prince Albert explained, expressing satisfaction with “several projects related to solar energy, wind energy, and others throughout the Mediterranean basin and beyond.”

“It is necessary to demonstrate the importance of this energy mix, even for developing countries,” he said.

His goal is to bolster cooperation between Monaco and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, including countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. These nations have made remarkable strides in transitioning towards renewable energy, with initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative spearheading their efforts.

Prince Albert lauded the efforts of Razan Al-Mubarak, President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, whom he described as “one of the ambassadors of the upcoming COP.” The prince underscored the foundation’s strong ties with Al-Mubarak.

“Thanks to individuals like her, as well as a multitude of initiatives and projects in the Middle East, along the southern shores of the Mediterranean, and throughout North Africa, that renewable energies can be implemented and greater sustainability pursued,” the prince asserted.

He went on to commend the “exemplary efforts of Morocco, as well as other countries” in the MENA region, expressing his humble satisfaction in being able to “contribute modestly to their development.”

As the foundation’s collaboration with the MENA region continues to expand, these countries’ progress in various sectors, including environmental protection, has earned increased praise and recognition.

Recently, formal diplomatic ties were established between the Principality of Monaco and Saudi Arabia. This move aims to cultivate mutually beneficial cooperation between two sovereign states, combining their resources and expertise in the interests of sustainability.

Prince Albert recognized the remarkable environmental initiatives undertaken by the MENA region and conveyed his support and willingness to contribute to these efforts. Through sharing best practices, promoting renewable energies, and fostering cooperation, the prince hopes to contribute to a sustainable future for not only Monaco but also the global community.

Monaco, the second smallest state in the world, is densely populated and a popular tourist destination, putting immense pressure on its natural resources. Waste management, air and water quality, and energy consumption are among the environmental challenges the city-state is grappling with. Prince Albert II emphasized the importance of maintaining the quality of life of the residents while preserving the city-state’s natural resources.

Asserting his belief in progress and innovation, Prince Albert II rejected the idea of degrowth as a solution to environmental issues. He told Arab News en Francais that Monaco is on track to achieve its greenhouse gas reduction targets, which include a 50 percent reduction by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050.

“We must all work together for a more sustainable and more just world. Our future, and the future of generations to come, depends on it,” he concluded.

Monaco supports Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles

MONACO — A 100 percent female car race — created over 30 years ago without GPS or mobile phones with competitors traversing the Moroccan desert in search of markers — remains committed to reducing CO2 emissions while also reducing its water and energy consumption, and its waste.

The rally presented during the EVER Monaco Exhibition highlights the courage of women. It also promotes sustainable mobility and environmental preservation. It is the first automotive sporting event in the world to have obtained the environmental standard ISO 14001.

Prince Albert II told Arab News en Francais that he is “very happy that the principality and the foundation are linked to this great event, which promotes beautiful values such as the commitment of women from all walks of life with this emphasis from virtually the beginning on sustainability, on renewable energies and on strong mobility”.

The Monaco’s prince also celebrates the growing number of electric vehicles taking part in the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles with the E-Gazelles category, which starts from Monaco’s palace square. “It’s a great and exemplary adventure, particularly in what it brings for sustainability and for the commitment to clean mobility,” he said.