The MEB at the Monaco Business Expo: A Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Alpmed Chambers of Commerce, and an Eco Club Conference on Educational Excellence in the Principality

On Thursday, 18 September, at the Méridien Beach Plaza, the Monaco Economic Board (MEB) once again took part in the Monaco Business expo, organised by Monaco Communication and inaugurated by H.S.H. Prince Albert II. The MEB's involvement was highlighted by the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the Alpmed group of Chambers of Commerce and an Eco Club Monaco conference, organised in partnership with the Nice-Matin Group.

Since 2020, the Monaco Economic Board has actively participated in the Monaco Business Expo, an event dedicated to entrepreneurs from Monaco and the Côte d'Azur that combines business meetings with economic conferences. Each year, the MEB leverages this opportunity to strengthen its ties with a regional institutional partner for economic promotion and development.

A New Cross-Border Partner

At this year's event, Guillaume Rose, the MEB's CEO, signed a memorandum of understanding with Dario Gallina, President of the Alpmed group of Chambers of Commerce and Industry. This organisation includes the Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CCIs) from Italy's Liguria, Piedmont, Sardinia, and Aosta Valley regions, along with the French regions of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Corsica, and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.

As in previous years, the MEB shared a joint stand with its new partner in the exhibitor area. This offered a space for both entities to engage with many visitors and to explain the business opportunities presented by this new partnership.

The MEB's decision to join the Alpmed CCI group was a natural choice, enabling it to fully leverage the potential of this collaborative network.

Education, a Driver of Attractiveness

Another highlight of the morning was the first of the day's conferences, held after the opening address by Minister of State H.E. Christophe Mirmand, who praised the diversity and success of the Principality's economy. The conference, organised by the MEB and the Nice-Matin Group as part of the Eco Club Monaco, was titled "Education: Monaco, a model of excellence."

In his welcome speech, Guillaume Rose introduced the topic by stating that "education is the key; it's where everything begins." This was supported by the event's moderator, Denis Carreaux, Director of Editorial for the Nice-Matin Group, who said that "education in Monaco is a showcase of national excellence. The Principality has developed a unique model that combines the best of public and private education."

Government Minister of the Interior Lionel Beffre emphasised that education remains a fundamental pillar of Monaco's attractiveness. It is built on three core principles: "openness to the world, multilingualism, and a very high student-to-staff ratio. " Monaco's education system is notable for its outstanding exam results and its diverse student population, which includes students from over 100 different nationalities.

Monaco is notable for its diverse educational offerings that reflect its image. The International School of Monaco, which recently relocated to excellent new facilities in Larvotto, is recognised as one of Europe's leading schools for providing the full International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, a widely respected standard. With over 850 students, ISM also boasts impressive results. Deputy Director Abigail Furey noted, "This year, two students achieved the rare perfect score of 45/45." Their success is linked to an innovative teaching approach that promotes "students to discover knowledge for themselves. "

The British School of Monaco, established in 2022 by Olena Sullivan-Prykhodko and her husband Luke Sullivan, is a new institution dedicated to international education. It effectively complements the Principality's educational options. Drawing on the British education system, the school focuses on offering a highly personalised learning experience and aims to preserve its 'boutique school' feel and family atmosphere, as its founder stated. In addition to academics, personal development is central: "Emulation and group integration are highly valued, especially through a House system, similar to Harry Potter," she mentioned.

Higher education was also discussed, focusing on the International University of Monaco, a business school that has seen remarkable growth- from 250 students ten years ago to over 1,200 in 2025. Director General Jean-Philippe Muller noted, "The university draws strength from its location." This advantage is evident in its specialised programmes, especially in luxury goods and finance, as well as the high rate of internships and initial professional experiences within the Principality, stemming from its close ties with local economic stakeholders.

Education in Monaco incorporates a strong artistic element, notably through the Princess Grace Academy, affiliated with Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo. This academy admits about fifty aspiring dancers who later join leading dance companies worldwide. Luca Massala, the school's Artistic Director, explained, "Our program, which combines academic, personal, and artistic development, enhances Monaco's global reputation." The academy’s rigorous selection process underscores its high standards, with over 15,000 applicants vying annually for only 17 to 20 spots.

Whether public or private, the conference showed that Monaco's education system is innovative, challenging, and aligned with international standards. This quality is setting the stage for a bright future for both the young people and the Principality.

* In previous years, the MEB has signed memorandums of understanding with Métropole Nice Côte d'Azur, the CCI Nice-Côte d'Azur, the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Nice, the Sophia Antipolis Foundation, and the CCI Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.