In a ceremony held on Monday in Paris, HSH Prince Albert was awarded the Grand Medal by the Society for the Encouragement of Progress (SEP), an institution often described as the “French Nobel Prize.” The SEP, founded in 1908, annually recognises individuals making significant contributions to improving human conditions and protecting the environment.
The Prince accepted the prestigious award with emotion, addressing the importance of progress in his acceptance speech. “Faced with the temptation of decline or fatalism, we must re-enchant the notion of progress,” he stated. The sovereign then highlighted his commitment to environmental protection, emphasising that the future of progress lies in the reconciliation between humanity and nature.
“Nothing would be more inaccurate and ineffective than wanting to save the planet against those who inhabit it. On the contrary, we must reconcile them,” he continued, stressing the need for innovative solutions that embody shared human and technical progress. Prince Albert expressed gratitude for the recognition, promising to continue his efforts to protect nature and advance human development with the encouragement of the SEP.
