With less than two years until the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Monaco has reaffirmed its commitment to international sporting cooperation by hosting a delegation from the Senegalese Olympic Committee…
The visit, which included an audience with His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, underscored the Principality’s active role in promoting sport and youth development worldwide.
The President of the Senegalese Olympic Committee praised Monaco as a “great sporting nation” and highlighted the country’s global influence through major events such as the Monaco Grand Prix. During their meeting, both parties explored opportunities for collaboration and knowledge-sharing in the lead-up to Dakar 2026, the first Olympic Games to be held on the African continent.
A key focus of the visit was Monaco’s ongoing contribution to sport and safety training in Senegal, particularly through the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. The foundation’s efforts in training female lifeguards and youth swimming supervisors were praised as life-saving initiatives in a country where drownings remain a significant public health issue. The programme has received strong support from both the Senegalese government and Olympic Committee, and is regarded as a model of impactful international cooperation.
As Dakar prepares to welcome thousands of young athletes from around the world, Monaco’s involvement continues to grow beyond symbolic support, extending to practical, on-the-ground assistance in sport, safety, and youth empowerment.
The visit highlights how small nations like Monaco can punch above their weight in the international sporting arena, leveraging diplomacy, philanthropy, and expertise to support global events. With Dakar 2026 on the horizon, the ties between Senegal and Monaco appear stronger than ever—built on mutual respect, shared values, and a common goal of using sport to inspire the next generation.
