What is it about ?

A2M is a French-speaking institute based in Monaco with the objective of providing multidisciplinary education about the sea and the oceans. It is legally structured as an association with a mission of general interest. The Sovereign Prince is its Honorary President, and the Executive Presidency is held by Laurent ANSELMI. The board of directors consists of personalities from the Principality, either from civil society or holding government or administrative responsibilities. Among its founding members are the Yacht Club of Monaco, the Monaco Port Authority (Société d’Exploitation des Ports de Monaco) and the Monaco Chamber of Shipping.

What is its action ?

Initially, A2M will organize a 15-day summer university every July, during which 30 to 40 participants will receive fundamental teachings in French. The curriculum includes specific topics related to maritime law, geopolitical and geoeconomics international relations concerning seas and oceans, as well as environmental and marine security issues. During this session, participants will also have the opportunity to meet key entities in Monaco, such as the Oceanographic Institute – Prince Albert Ist and the Monaco Explorations, the International Hydrographic Organization (I.H.O.), the laboratories of the International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.), or ACCOBAMS, to name a few. The session concludes with a high-level symposium open to the public. The 2024 symposium focused on the “Fishing or overfishing?” theme and the 2025 one will be about “Sea and energy”. The profile of participants may include students holding at least Bachelors’ degrees in related subjects or professionals from various backgrounds interested in these matters. A2M also intends to annually organize, within the framework of partnerships, other events (conferences, seminars, training sessions) lasting 24 to 48 hours outside the Principality, focusing on general or specific themes.

Who does it partner with ?

A2M collaborates with various institutions, the number of which is growing. First and foremost, French universities such as Paris II (Panthéon-Assas), Nice, Aix-Marseille (Institute of Ocean Sciences, Portalis Institute), Universita di Corsica Pasquale Paoli (Stella Mare Institute). Outside France, the University of Quebec (Institute of Marine Sciences in Rimouski, Canada) or Menara University (Marrakech, Morocco) can be mentioned. Additionally, various institutes, including the Institute of Diplomatic Studies of the Republic of Djibouti (I.E.D.), the National Institute of Scientific Research of Quebec (I.N.R.S.), and the Directorate of Training for Seafarers and Rescuers of the Moroccan Ministry of Fisheries, are partners. A2M also benefits from the support of the University Agency of “la Francophonie” (A.U.F.), a network of about a thousand higher education and research institutions.

What are its long-term objectives ?

Ultimately, the idea is to establish an international university in Monaco that remains true to the dual purpose set by A2M since its creation. It is crucial to emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of the education provided about the sea and the oceans, as symbolized by the periscope image and the motto “the sea at 360 degrees.”