Prince Albert II of Monaco became the first monarch to walk up the flag-lined path of the Cittadella della Pace (Citadel of Peace) and shake hands with future peace leaders who come here to train, study, and live together to overcome the hatred dividing their peoples. While this milestone will place him in Rondine’s history, it will be his kindness and curiosity that leave a lasting impression on the collective memory.
“I am deeply moved by the uniqueness of Rondine and its creative approach as a tool to support conflict transformation on a global scale,” said the Sovereign. “I want to commend Rondine for its outstanding initiatives and commitment, here in Italy and in favor of world peace. Through its flagship program, the ‘World House,’ Rondine contributes to breaking down barriers, prejudices, and misunderstandings. We welcome all initiatives that promote a culture of tolerance, dialogue, trust, reconciliation, and lasting peace. Monaco is firmly committed to peace, sustainable development, and respect for human rights in all countries.”
“Rondine is deeply honored by the visit of Prince Albert II of Monaco. Although we have received visits from Heads of Government before, this is the first time we have been visited by a Head of State,” said President Franco Vaccari. “This visit is also the result of a generous collaboration with the Monegasque community and the Principality. The Monaco Development Cooperation has been supporting Rondine’s young people for several years. We hope this visit will strengthen the ties of collaboration and friendship with the Principality, and we hope that His Highness has paved the way for many young people, even from Monaco, to come here to study—whether they are high school or university students—by training with the Rondine Method. Today, His presence offers comfort and great new recognition for this method.”
Upon arriving in the Tuscan village, His Highness, accompanied by Anne Eastwood, Ambassador of Monaco to Rome, along with Alessandro Antonio Giusti, Honorary Consul of the Principality of Monaco in Florence, was welcomed by President Franco Vaccari and a delegation from Rondine for an official greeting. They then toured the symbolic sites that tell the history and values of the Citadel. From the “Rondine Monument”, which reflects its spiritual and cultural roots founded on stones from the monasteries of La Verna, Camaldoli, and the river Arno, to the Janine Arena, where Liliana Segre (Italian Senator and Holocaust survivor) gave her final public testimony, they walked past the medieval castle, which bears the traces of a “fortified” past that has been overturned by young “enemies” from war-torn regions around the world, who come here to change history by starting with themselves. It was to these young people of the World House that Prince Albert II addressed his speech, along with the younger students of the “Fourth Year of Rondine”, high school students from all over Italy who have chosen to spend a year in the international and intercultural school at the Citadel of Peace, learning to creatively transform conflicts through the Rondine Method.
Adelina, a Kosovar fellow who welcomed the Sovereign on behalf of all the young people of the Citadel, explained: “Rondine is not just a place where we talk about peace, we live it every day. And it’s not easy, but through the simple act of living together—sharing meals, laughter, hugs, silences, and even apologies—we begin to heal.” Her words brought the audience into the tragedy of war but also highlighted the daily effort that transforms that pain into a future at Rondine: “When I was a child, I would leave the room every time people talked about wars,” Adelina continued. “I didn’t want to listen. The pain, fear, and memories were too overwhelming. But here in Rondine, I learned that we cannot truly understand ourselves or others without confronting those stories. This place has taught me to listen, not just to my own story, but also to the stories of others, even those we have been taught to see as ‘enemies.’”
Alongside her was Georges Théodore Dougnon, a former Malian fellow of Rondine and vice president of the Rondine International Peace Lab, the international network of Rondine alumni. “Like all of you, I ask myself: What can I do? And I ask Your Highness: How can you help us convey to global leaders that we do not want war, that we, the young leaders, are striving to be heard? We look to you, our leaders and sources of inspiration, to serve with us the cause of peace. Allow me to repeat a phrase from my peace dream: ‘Let’s replace weapons with hoes and cultivate peace.’” From his commitment together with other former fellows, the Educ4Peace project was born, giving a second chance to dozens of young people and children who had dropped out of school due to the crisis, providing them access to education and the opportunity for a different future. “Today, I am proud to amplify the voices of these children, youth, and women. They live with few resources in war-torn areas, and I will continue to advocate for their voices whenever necessary,” said Georges, finally hoping that His Highness would continue “to support those young people who, after this wonderful experience, which I call the school of life, return to their countries. They need your continued support so that Rondine can help them make a difference in their communities.”
Prince Albert II expressed great appreciation, stating: “You are the leaders of tomorrow. In your diversity, with your backgrounds, through all the initiatives already implemented or those to come, you represent the future. We are inspired by your energy and the innovative solutions you bring forward. The world of tomorrow must empower its young and future generations.”
The Sovereign also recalled the long-standing collaboration between Rondine and the Principality: “Since Monaco began its partnership with Rondine in 2015, it has contributed to various initiatives and supported three fellows from the World House. Additionally, last year it became the third country to join the ‘Leaders for Peace’ campaign launched by Rondine fellows at the United Nations, co-sponsoring the important event that took place last December in New York to further promote the Rondine Method. I want to congratulate President Vaccari,” concluded the Sovereign, “for the original approach he has succeeded in implementing, as well as for the growing recognition it is receiving and the inspiration it generates. I commend all of you here for your commitment to being messengers of peace, friendship, and global unity.”
There was also a gift for the Prince from the fellows, crafted with the help of skilled artisans from Arezzo, coordinated by Francesco Conti, master sculptor and guardian of ancient craftsmanship. It was a miniature of the Rondine Monument, symbolizing the deep connection with La Verna and St. Francis of Assisi, a model of peace that reflects the tangible nature of the Rondine Method, which works on relationships and conflicts, beginning with inner ones, finding ways to resolve and transform them creatively.
It was followed by a deeply emotional moment with a private discussion between the Prince and the young people of Rondine, offering space for questions, curiosity, and invaluable insights for these young peace leaders in the making.
The Prince exchanged gifts and signed the Rondine guestbook, leaving a personal dedication.
