By Cassandra Tanti

Copyright monacolife

Prince Albert II of Monaco joined Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tony Blair, and other international leaders for a high-level climate roundtable in New York on 24th September, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

The meeting, hosted at the Whitby Hotel, brought together key figures from government, business, and philanthropy to focus on how climate “superpowers” — including nature, technology, and non-state actors — can be mobilised more effectively. Organised by the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, the roundtable also featured representatives from the Minderoo Foundation, founded by Australian philanthropist Andrew Forrest.

“Nature is our most powerful ally”

In his address, Prince Albert II spoke passionately about the need to reframe the climate crisis not as an abstract threat, but as a tangible opportunity for innovation and collective progress.

“Nature is our most powerful ally in the fight against climate change,” said the Prince. “Oceans, forests and wetlands capture carbon, cool the planet and protect our coastlines. But nature cannot defend itself alone — it depends on all of us: communities, institutions and decision-makers.”

He stressed the importance of coordination across sectors, noting that “no single actor can succeed alone”. Governments, private investors, civil society and philanthropic organisations all have a role to play, he said, highlighting the power of blended finance and community-led initiatives.

Monaco’s model of marine leadership

Prince Albert II also shared concrete examples of Monaco’s leadership in climate action, particularly through his foundation’s marine initiatives.

“In Monaco, we’ve launched the ReOcean Fund to support innovators tackling plastic pollution, restoring ecosystems, advancing sustainable aquaculture and harnessing ocean data,” he explained. “We’ve also co-founded the Global Fund for Coral Reefs with the Paul G. Allen Foundation. It blends public and private finance to mobilise billions — not just to protect reefs, but to support the livelihoods of the communities who depend on them.”

The Prince stressed that while technologies and investment are essential, public trust remains the cornerstone of long-term success. “People will support climate action if they see that it is fair. If they breathe cleaner air, see safer coastlines, and experience more secure livelihoods. Visible benefits, not abstract promises, will build lasting support.”

A new coalition for climate resilience

The meeting brought together representatives from the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, and the Minderoo Foundation, who said they intend to increase collaboration on climate resilience, adaptation, public communication and financing tools.

Speakers at the event pointed to the need for practical action and community-level implementation, rather than broad pledges. Several attendees noted that long-term credibility would depend on how quickly partnerships could deliver measurable outcomes.

Prince Albert II concluded his remarks by urging continued investment in nature as a global public good. “Let’s put innovation and finance at the service of communities,” he said. “Let’s build trust as carefully as we build partnerships. If we succeed, nature will remain our greatest ally — and we will leave behind a safer, fairer, more resilient climate for future generations.”

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Main photo: Prince Albert II seated with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tony Blair, photo credit: Michaël Alesi, Prince’s Palace