Monaco Leads the Ecological Transition: Culture, Science, and Investment for a Sustainable Future
From June 4 to 8, 2025, the Principality of Monaco becomes a global hub for environmental innovation and action with two key events: the third edition of the Green Shift Festival and the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF). These gatherings reflect Monaco’s dual commitment to green transition and ocean preservation, reinforcing its role as a leader in environmental and sustainable finance.
Organized by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the Green Shift Festival will take place along the Larvotto Promenade, at Place Anne-Marie Campora, blending science, creativity, and civic engagement in a vibrant public space.
Evening themes:
June 4 – “Welcome to 2050”
An immersive journey into our ecological future, curated by Yasmina Auburtin, with Mathieu Baudin and Hélène Binet.
June 5 – “At the Heart of Living”
A deep dive into the human-nature connection, featuring Marianne Leenart, François Sarano, and Laurent Tillon (in partnership with Actes Sud).
June 6 – “Music & Ecology”
A poetic fusion of sound and sustainability with Tom Frager, Hélène Vogelsinger, Arthur Lecercle, and Magali Payen (with Music for Planet).
Each day begins with wellness sessions (breathwork, qigong, sound therapy), in collaboration with the Kate Powers Foundation. From 6:00 PM, visitors can enjoy “conscious happy hours”, featuring:
Eco-initiatives and local projects
Interactive performances and animations
Sustainable food by Camion Valentin
DJ sets by DJ Baloo
A participatory art project with Bureau Walter and illustrator Chloë Monti will invite the public to co-create a visual map of Monaco—its present and its sustainable future.
On June 6 at 6:00 PM, the 2025 Environmental Photography Prize will be celebrated with a special opening reception, featuring the winner and jury members.
All festival events are free and open to the public.
On June 7–8, the Grimaldi Forum will host the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF), an official side event of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). Co-organized by the Government of Monaco, the Oceanographic Institute, and the Prince Albert II Foundation, and supported by France and Costa Rica, the forum aims to boost public and private investment in a regenerative blue economy.
It seeks to fund ocean protection projects while promoting sustainable economic growth. The forum will conclude on June 8 with keynote speeches by:
Emmanuel Macron, President of France
Rodrigo Chaves Robles, President of Costa Rica
H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco
The week will culminate in Nice, from June 9 to 13, with the official United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3)—a high-level international summit focused on marine conservation and sustainable finance.
Its outcome will be a joint declaration titled the “Nice Ocean Action Plan”, a global call to unite efforts for ocean protection.
With these back-to-back events, Monaco confirms its position as a global beacon for sustainable transformation, where innovation, diplomacy, and culture converge in response to climate change.