Prince Albert – who has been a strong advocate for the protection of the environment for many years – said the fight against climate change was one of the big challenges of this century in his traditional New Year’s Eve address to the Monégasque people. He also said that the protection of the planet is a ‘huge responsibility that we carry for our children and future generations.” Prince Albert focused on climate change issues as the Principality and the nearby French regions suffered from big floods earlier this month.
Prince Albert described New Year’s Eve and his traditional address as a “break from our busy everyday lives that can sometimes drive us away of the true goals of our existence.” He also considers the holiday season as a moment of peace and sharing at the end of a year marked by conflicts, crises, natural disasters, and tensions in many countries.
The Sovereign also touched on what the populations around the world expect from their leaders, saying that they were expecting “a responsible behaviour” so that they could have faith in the future as well as an “effective engagement” to ensure good economy, a fair justice, a lasting peace and to take into consideration the big challenges of this century, including climate change.
Prince Albert also praised all the people who helped those who are suffering through their generosity and altruism. He described Monaco as a country of “peace and prosperity” where solidarity is strong because “its population is aware of its privileges”. He also encouraged the population to work tirelessly so that the youth can achieve their dreams and so that the elders can live an honourable and serene life. The Sovereign also pledged his determination to keep walking in his ancestors’ steps to guarantee stability, prosperity, and justice for Monaco and to work for a more fair world full of compassion and solidarity.
At the end of his speech, Prince Albert was joined by his wife Princess Charlene who said: ‘We send you, with our children Jacques and Gabriella, our warmest wishes for 2020, Happy new year!’ Prince Albert then concluded the address by wishing a Happy new year in French and in Monegasque to the Monégasque people.
