Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation Celebrates 20th Anniversary at Opéra de Monte-Carlo, Inking Global Planetary Health Alliance with Gere Foundation

Two Decades of Pioneering Global Environmental Philanthropy

MONTE CARLO, Monaco — Celebrating two decades of transformative environmental stewardship and ecological science diplomacy, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (FPA2) marked its 20th anniversary with a gala evening at the historic Salle Garnier of the Opéra de Monte-Carlo. Chaired by H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco alongside H.S.H. Princess Charlene, the summit gathered distinguished heads of state, environmental scientists, philanthropists, and international cultural luminaries to reflect on the foundation’s global legacy of supporting more than 830 conservation projects worldwide with grants totaling hundreds of millions of euros since 2006.

Established by Sovereign Prince Albert II shortly after his accession, the foundation has cemented Monaco’s role as an influential international catalyst for ocean preservation, polar icecap research, clean water security, and renewable energy acceleration.

Landmark Planetary Health Alliance with the Gere Foundation

A central diplomatic highlight of the anniversary summit was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Gere Foundation, represented in person by acclaimed humanitarian and actor Richard Gere. The bilateral alliance establishes a multi-year collaborative framework dedicated to advancing planetary health, preserving indigenous ecosystem biodiversity, and expanding clean freshwater access in vulnerable communities worldwide.

The partnership combines Monaco's deep scientific grant-making infrastructure with international advocacy, mobilizing philanthropic capital toward high-impact environmental resilience initiatives across the Mediterranean basin, the Himalayas, and equatorial forests.

Cultural Elegance and International Conservation Fundraising

The anniversary gala at the Salle Garnier brought together prominent global figures including guests of honour Richard Gere and Italian screen icon Monica Bellucci, alongside Isabelle Huppert, Eva Herzigova, and international dignitaries. The evening featured world-class live performances by global pop icon Christina Aguilera, operatic legend Plácido Domingo, and legendary disco ensemble Sister Sledge.

Guests were treated to an exceptional gastronomic banquet curated by multi-Michelin-starred French chef Yannick Alléno, followed by a high-stakes environmental auction conducted by renowned art auctioneer Simon de Pury. The auction raised millions of euros dedicated to marine protected areas, endangered Mediterranean species protection, and cutting-edge oceanographic climate sensors.

Economic Resilience and Monaco's Sustainable Future

The high-profile conservation summit coincided with the release of the latest economic report from Monaco’s statistical institute (IMSEE), which confirmed that the Principality’s private sector employment has surged to an all-time high, surpassing 60,000 jobs driven by high-tech services, scientific consultancy, luxury retail, and sustainable maritime industries.

In his keynote address, Prince Albert II reiterated that environmental sustainability and economic vitality are inextricably linked, calling upon international institutions to embrace scientific multilateralism and redouble commitments to protect the global ocean for future generations.