Photo: Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco
Albert and Charlène gathered a hundred philanthropists in Monaco
The princely couple have launched a new summit on philanthropy, held for the first time at the Yacht Club de Monaco. Around a hundred guests from around the world gathered to discuss how private giving can meet major global challenges.
Prince Albert and Princess Charlène were behind the first Monaco Summit on Philanthropy, held at the Yacht Club de Monaco on Monday.
Around a hundred prominent figures from around the world took part. The theme was the future of philanthropy, and the role private giving can play in meeting major global challenges.
The summit was organised jointly by the Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco and the Fondation Princesse Charlène de Monaco, with the support of the Tocqueville Foundation. It is the first time the two foundations have joined forces on an event of this kind.
Award to the Emirates
During the summit the Prince's Award for Innovative Philanthropy was presented. This year it went to the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, an umbrella organisation from the United Arab Emirates that runs humanitarian work, education and health projects in a number of countries.
Two foundations with different fields
Prince Albert set up his foundation in 2006. It works on climate, biodiversity and access to clean water, and is one of the most visible environmental foundations in Europe.
Princess Charlène's foundation came in 2012 and has a very different starting point: it teaches children to swim and works to prevent drowning. Charlène was herself a national-level swimmer for South Africa and competed at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
The two foundations now joining forces on a shared summit is a new move from the principality, which has for many years presented itself as a meeting place for international environmental and development work.