Monaco has renewed its commitment to preserving the memory of the Holocaust and combating historical distortion during an international meeting in Argentina attended by representatives from across the world.
The Principality was represented at the second 2026 plenary session of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA), held in Buenos Aires from November 1 to 5, by Monaco’s Ambassador to Germany and representative to the organisation, Lorenzo Ravano, accompanied by Mikhal Amsellem, President of Monaco’s Israelite Cultural and Religious Association.
Argentina, the first South American country to hold the IHRA presidency, chose the theme “Expanding the Frontiers of Memory” for the gathering. The theme highlighted the universal significance of Holocaust remembrance beyond Europe’s geographical borders, particularly as the number of survivors continues to decline.
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Against a backdrop of international tensions linked to the conflict in the Middle East and the resurgence of racism in various forms, delegates also focused on preparing the organisation’s 2027–2032 strategy. Discussions included emerging challenges such as Holocaust distortion and the implications of artificial intelligence.
During a meeting between the Alliance and observer countries, Ambassador Ravano reaffirmed Monaco’s support for the Stockholm Declaration and the 2020 Ministerial Declaration, two central commitments underpinning the IHRA’s work.
He stressed the continuing importance of remembrance, education and research in safeguarding historical truth, honouring victims and survivors, and ensuring that future generations understand the consequences of the Holocaust.
The ambassador also highlighted several initiatives demonstrating Monaco’s involvement in Holocaust remembrance and education. These included the participation of Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Government Counsellor-Minister for External Relations and Cooperation, in the European Roma Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations at Auschwitz-Birkenau on August 2, 2026, when she attended in her capacity as President of the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers.
He also referred to the renewal of a four-year partnership between the Prince’s Government and the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation. Through the programme “Auschwitz. In front of your eyes”, thousands of European pupils are able to undertake virtual visits to the former concentration and extermination camp. The initiative has also been incorporated into Monaco’s school curriculum.
Monaco has held observer status within the IHRA since 2015. The intergovernmental organisation brings together 34 member countries, one liaison country and seven observer countries to support Holocaust education, remembrance and research internationally.
France is due to assume the IHRA presidency in February 2027, taking over from Argentina.
