International Francophone Press Union – Monaco Symposium The Media and the Environment in the Mediterranean

Légende photo : Aux côtés de S.A.S. le Prince Souverain : Patrice Zehr, Président de l'UPF Monaco ; Madiambal Diagne, Président International de l’UPF ; Michaëlle Jean, Secrétaire générale de la Francophonie ; Jean Kouchner, Journaliste, Secrétaire général International de l’Union de la Presse Francophone et le Pr Denis Allemand, Directeur Scientifique du Centre Scientifique de Monaco. ©Centre de Presse Charly Gallo

 On 4 and 5 March 2016, the Principality is hosting a symposium on the theme of "The Media and the Environment in the Mediterranean," organised by the Monegasque section of the International Francophone Press Union (Union Internationale de la Presse Francophone) (UPF) with the support of the Prince's Government.

The meeting was opened by H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince in the presence of many well-known Monegasque figures and a hundred or so media professionals, including Jean Kouchner, who is also International Secretary General of the UPF, political decision-makers, diplomats and investors, as well as numerous environmental experts.

In his speech, H.S.H. the Sovereign Prince emphasised that … "In order for scientific truth (as concerns the environment) to motivate populations and promote effectiveness among those who govern, the work of the media is essential.  This work, which involves information, investigation, awareness-raising and involvement, will make it possible to reach the largest possible number of people."

The event was held mid-way between the COP21 in Paris (2015) and the COP22 in Marrakesh (November 2016).  It is part of a general reflection on the role of the press and the media in heightening public awareness of environmental challenges in the Mediterranean.