The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Gere Foundation join forces in Monaco to safeguard planetary health

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and the Gere Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the Principality of Monaco on Saturday, 19 September 2026, creating a basis for the two organisations to explore joint opportunities in environmental protection and planetary health. The agreement was signed by Romain Ciarlet, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, and Ana Buitrago, President and CEO of the Gere Foundation, in the presence of Richard Gere, during his presence in Monaco for the Foundation’s 20th anniversary celebrations.

The MoU brings together two organisations whose approaches are rooted in responsibility, respect for communities and the pursuit of lasting positive change. It will enable them to identify areas of common interest and, where relevant, share expertise and knowledge, highlight initiatives and draw on their respective networks to further environmental action.

Care for the planet is among the principles that guide the Gere Foundation, alongside compassion, individual and universal responsibility, human and civil rights, and respect for communities. Richard Gere’s environmental engagement can particularly be seen through his involvement with the Sierra A Mar initiative in Mexico, which brings together local communities, government agencies, developers and visionary leaders to set new global standards for regenerative, nature-based development.

The signing of the MoU took place during the private screening of WISDOM OF HAPPINESS, executive-produced by Richard Gere. The documentary offers an intimate cinematic encounter with the Dalai Lama, exploring his reflections on compassion, inner peace and happiness in the context of some of the defining challenges of the 21st century. The screening, held at the Théâtre Princesse Grace in Monaco, was followed by a Q&A session with Richard Gere and Tencho Gyatso, niece of the Dalai Lama and President of the International Campaign for Tibet.

“Both foundations share a belief that compassion and responsibility must translate into meaningful action. I am very pleased to see our organisations open this new chapter together and explore how our experience, networks and shared concerns can contribute to protecting the planet and building a more sustainable future,” said Richard Gere.

For the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, the agreement reflects its longstanding emphasis on partnerships and the mobilisation of different actors in response to environmental challenges. The new collaboration with the Gere Foundation provides an opportunity to bring complementary perspectives together and explore where their respective expertise can best contribute.

“We are delighted to establish this relationship with the Gere Foundation. Addressing environmental challenges requires organisations to work across sectors and communities, bringing together different forms of expertise and experience. This agreement gives us the opportunity to identify areas where our respective strengths can complement one another and support meaningful action for the planet,” said Romain Ciarlet, Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

Richard Gere’s visit to the Principality formed part of a series of events marked by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s 20th anniversary. On Friday, 18 September, he attended as guest of honour the Foundation’s Anniversary Gala organized at the Salle Garnier of the Opera of Monte-Carlo.

In the presence of the Princely Couple, the exclusive event celebrated two decades of the Foundation’s environmental action worldwide. During the dedicated auction, led by Simon de Pury, Richard Gere offered a bidder the rare opportunity to share a privileged moment around a lunch or dinner with him in an intimate setting, providing a unique occasion to exchange with one of the world’s most admired actors and humanitarians.

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