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The 2007 Public Forum will be held at the WTO headquarters in Geneva — Centre William Rappard. Learn more about the history of the WTO Building.


WTO's address:
Centre William Rappard
Rue de Lausanne 154
CH-1211 Geneva 21
Switzerland
Tel: +41 22 739 5111
  

HOW TO GET TO THE WTO

FROM GENEVA AIRPORT:

The Geneva International Airport (GVA-Cointrin) is located about 5 km from the centre of Geneva. Public transportation is easily available from the airport.

By taxi:
Taxis can be found directly outside the arrival hall. Approximate fare for one-way to the WTO address should be no more than 40 francs.

By train and bus:
To get to the WTO, the best way is to take the train from the airport to the main station (Gare Cornavin), which takes approximately six minutes. At the airport, follow the train signs to the platform. Tickets may be purchased at the ticket desk located on the level above the train platforms or at the electronic booths next to the platforms. A one-way fare costs 3 francs for second class.

> Train schedule can be found here

Upon arrival at the train station, take bus number 1 in the direction of Jardin Botanique, which is also the WTO stop and the last one on the bus line. The ride takes about 15 minutes. Tickets can be bought at electronic dispensers next to bus stand and cost 3 francs for a one-hour validity. The WTO Building is across the street from the Jardin Botanique stop. Please note that your train ticket is valid on the bus within the hour of purchase.

> Bus schedule can be found here
  

FORUM DETAILS

Participation at the Forum is free of charge. Travel and accommodation costs are borne by the participants. Please note that the WTO does not deal with visas.

BADGES: We urge you to ensure that all staff and speakers involved in your workshop are registered. The on-line registration remains open until Friday 28 September. Please note that all participants must be registered to ensure that a badge will be available upon their arrival at the WTO headquarters.
Please note that badges can be collected at any time throughout the forum. In case people want to attend the opening plenary at 10 am on 4 October, they are advised to collect their badge early, as strict security controls will be in place. We will open the badge collection as from 7.30 am.

SECURITY: According to security measures at the WTO's headquarters, please inform your speakers to bring a valid ID (passport or identity card) to collect their badge. A badge will only be handed over upon exchange of a valid ID. At all times during their presence at the WTO premises, the WTO badge has to be carried visibly.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS: Please remind your audiences not to leave any personal belongings in the meeting rooms after the workshop has finished, as all rooms will be locked after closing hours.

PROGRAMME: An updated version of the Forum's programme has been made available on the Forum's dedicated webpage.

E FORUM: Please note that an E Forum is expected to be operational during the course of next week to discuss the different topics that many of you have raised and that will be addressed during the Public Forum.

MEETING ROOMS: Parallel meetings are scheduled to take place throughout the duration of the Public Forum, except for the morning of the first day when the opening will take place. The total capacity of each of the meeting rooms that will be used for the sessions is identified below.
 

 

CR

CR I

CR II

W

D

E

F

B

Floor

New Building

New Building

New Building

Ground Floor

Main Building

3 rd Floor

Main Building

3 rd Floor

Main Building

3 rd Floor

Main Building

Ground Floor

Main Building

Total Capacity

  714

390

324

256

155

121

59

52



 

USEFUL INFORMATION FOR YOUR STAY

As the second largest city in Switzerland, Geneva is home to people from all over the world with over 40 per cent of its population being international. Host to several inter-governmental organizations, Geneva always has a variety of activities, conferences, talks and meetings happening throughout the year. Its picturesque landscape of the snow-capped Alps and the pristine lake offers many an escape from daily routines. Although French is the predominant language spoken in Geneva, English is widely understood and most people speak at least one other language.

TRANSPORTATION IN GENEVA

Getting around Geneva and travelling to nearby cities is quite easy as the city is efficiently serviced by buses, trolleybuses trams and train. Trains and buses have regular service to neighbouring countries, with France being the nearest. Public boat transport may also be taken to cities along the Lake shore including Nyon, Yvoire, Thonon, Evian and Lausanne. Tickets are available from dispensers located at each stop. You may also inquire at the main train station (Gare Cornavin) ticketing kiosk for more details.

While buses and trams are more popular among locals because of their reasonable pricing, taxis are also available for travel within Geneva. Taxi stands are located at the airport, train station and a few points in the city. For more convenience, you may also call for one at phone number 022 731 41 41.

The WTO Building is conveniently serviced by three major bus routes going to different points in the city. The following stops are located outside the main gates of the WTO.

Bus 1: Direction “Rive”

Useful Stops:

  • Navigation: supermarket Migros and Coop

  • Gare Cornavin: train station / transfer to other lines

  • Bel–Air: shopping centre

Bus 11: Direction “Bout-du-Monde”

Useful Stop:

  • Nations: United Nations “flag” gate / Place des Nations ('Broken Chair' monument)

Bus 28: Direction “Hôpital-La Tour”

Useful Stops:

  • Nations: United Nations “flag” gate / Place des Nations ('Broken Chair' monument)

  • Appia: Visitor's Entrance to the United Nations Building; Red Cross Museum


> For more information on how to get around in Geneva please click here.
 

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels in Geneva get booked fast, so please make sure to arrange your accommodation in advance. Websites like Expedia.com and Orbitz.com may be helpful. For more reference, please check www.genevashotels.com. Hotels walking distance to the WTO include Hotel Eden and Hotel Mon Repos. A little further, but still within close proximity, is the luxurious Hotel President Wilson.
Please also check the Foundation Mandat International, which offers facilities for non-governmental organizations.
 

RESTAURANT FACILITIES NEAR THE WTO

A variety of options is available for dining in or around the WTO.

Budget:
The HEI cafeteria adjacent to the WTO has many lunch options at reasonable prices ranging from 10 to 15 francs. For a quick bite, the WTO café (Salle des Pas Perdus) on the ground floor offers all sorts of beverages, sandwiches and salads in a more relaxed setting. Across the street from the WTO (next to Bus 1 Jardin Botanique stop), there is a small supermarket which is also a popular destination for those interested in fresh sandwiches and salad for reasonable pricing.

Mid-Range:
If you are looking for sit-down dining, a Chinese buffet is available at the Qing Dao Restaurant around the corner from the small supermarket. The buffet costs approximately 22 francs and lunch menus cost around 15 francs. Restaurants at the Hotel Mon Repos (131-133 rue de Lausanne) and Hotel Eden (135 rue de Lausanne) further up on the street offer Swiss/French/Italian eating. Like most restaurants in Geneva, a more reasonably-priced lunch menu or “Plat du Jour” may be found here.

Top-end:
Close to the WTO with a scenic view of the Lake, restaurant La Perle du Lac offers exquisite cuisine if you are interested in splurging a bit. Be sure to call and reserve especially if you plan to go as a group.
Address: 126, rue de Lausanne ¦ Tel.: +41(0)22 909 10 20 ¦ Fax: +41(0)22 909 10 30
 

CURRENCY

The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc, often written as CHF or SFr. While the Euro is accepted at most shops and businesses, it is better to exchange your money in advance so as to avoid paying a higher rate. Cash is the most popular transaction method and locals tend to carry substantial amount on them. Many smaller stores and supermarkets do not accept credit cards and those that do may ask to see a photo ID.

ATMs are conveniently dispersed throughout the city; the WTO Building also has two UBS ATMs next to the visitor's entrance.
 

USEFUL LINKS

Geneva Tourism: http://www.geneve-tourisme.ch/
Weather: http://www.meteoschweiz.admin.ch/web/en/weather.html
Bus Schedule: http://www.tpg.ch
Train Schedule: http://mct.sbb.ch/mct/en/reisen.htm
Geneva Airport: www.gva.ch



 Photos

 

Photo gallery 2007:

> Photo gallery

 

 2006 Public Forum

 

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