When we think of Monaco, we imagine sparkling yachts, luxury cars roaring through the Grand Prix circuit, and the exclusive glow of high-end living. With one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world and a reputation for extravagant wealth, one might assume Monaco leads in every aspect of social progress — especially when it comes to supporting its most vulnerable citizens. Yet, surprisingly, Monaco only launched its first comprehensive national disability strategy, known as Handipact, in late 2023.

Before this, Monaco did not have an overarching framework for disability inclusion. Supports existed here and there — some accessible public spaces, a few specialized services — but they were isolated efforts rather than part of a cohesive national plan. This left many residents and visitors with disabilities facing invisible barriers in a country otherwise famed for its seamless luxury experiences.

The Handipact strategy marked a major step forward. Officially presented in December 2023, it introduced nine key focus areas, including healthcare, accessibility, education, and employment. This shift is finally pushing Monaco toward a more inclusive model of society. In May 2025, Monaco presented its progress at the World Health Organization’s Small Countries Initiative meeting, using the Handipact plan to position itself as a leader in “inclusive innovation” among microstates.

One concrete example of progress is the Princess Grace Hospital Centre (CHPG), which in May 2025 introduced comprehensive reforms for people with disabilities. These include personalized care plans, staff training on disability awareness, and new communication tools to ensure patients receive equitable, dignified treatment.

Still, it raises an uncomfortable question: why did a country with so much financial power delay action on disability rights for so long? Monaco’s focus has traditionally been on protecting its brand as a luxury haven, prioritizing tourism and ultra-wealthy residents over broader social services. The very small resident population (about 38,000) also means there has been less grassroots activism and public pressure compared to larger nations.

Despite recent progress, Monaco’s delayed start shows that money alone does not guarantee inclusion. True equity requires cultural commitment and sustained political will — values that cannot simply be bought.

💭 My Thoughts

It is both surprising and disappointing to learn that a wealthy country like Monaco only recently began prioritizing disability inclusion. With so many financial resources and global visibility, one would expect Monaco to lead by example and set high standards for accessibility and rights. On the other hand, given Monaco’s very small population and relatively low visibility of disability issues, it is somewhat understandable why the government did not make it a priority sooner. However, this explanation does not excuse the delay.

I believe that a country’s wealth should indeed come with a moral responsibility to lead on social inclusion. But this responsibility shouldn’t be limited by borders or national lines. Disability rights are a universal human issue that connects us all. While today we live in a world divided by nations, it’s worth imagining a future where humanity comes together as one community, united by shared values of equality and accessibility. Monaco’s experience reminds us that inclusion is not just a local challenge but a global one, requiring cooperation beyond borders.

Seeing a wealthy and influential country like Monaco only address disability inclusion very late in the 21st century can be discouraging for smaller or less wealthy countries. If a nation with abundant financial resources and international visibility does not prioritize these issues promptly, it may send the message that disability rights are not urgent or important. This could lead other countries—especially those with fewer resources—to delay their own efforts or feel less pressure to act. On the other hand, Monaco’s recent initiatives could also serve as a wake-up call, showing that no matter how late, it’s never too late to start improving inclusion. Smaller countries might be motivated to lead by example and demonstrate that commitment to disability rights isn’t just about money but about political will and values.

One important lesson from Monaco’s recent efforts is that it’s never too late to begin meaningful work on disability inclusion. Regardless of a country’s size or wealth, practical changes can be made at any time to improve accessibility and rights. Monaco shows that even small states with limited populations can implement concrete policies and tools—like personalized healthcare plans and accessibility apps—that make a real difference. This can inspire other countries to start or accelerate their own inclusion initiatives, proving that commitment and action matter more than timing or resources alone.

Global awareness and cooperation are essential to advancing disability inclusion, especially in small, wealthy countries like Monaco. While local contexts differ, having a universal standard on accessibility would help ensure that all countries meet a baseline of rights and services for people with disabilities. Such standards would foster shared accountability and encourage nations to learn from each other’s successes and challenges. By working together as a global community, countries can accelerate progress and make inclusion not just a national priority, but a collective human commitment.

❓ A question to consider

If an exceptionally wealthy country like Monaco, with every resource at its disposal, does not prioritize the rights and inclusion of its citizens with disabilities, why would countries with fewer resources feel compelled to do so?

📚 Sources

    1.    News.mc — Monaco’s CHPG takes bold steps to improve healthcare access for people with disabilities (May 2025) (https://news.mc/2025/05/09/monacos-chpg-takes-bold-steps-to-improve-healthcare-access-for-people-with-disabilities/)     2.    WHO Europe — Monaco presents Handipact as model of inclusive innovation at the Small Countries Initiative (May 2025) (https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/26-05-2025-monaco-leads-inclusive-innovation-for-people-with-disabilities-at-the-eleventh-high-level-meeting-of-the-small-countries-initiative)     3.    Official Monaco Government — Launch of Handipact plan (December 2023) (https://www.gouv.mc/Actualites/Handipact-le-plan-national-pour-les-personnes-en-situation-de-handicap)