W ORL D H E A LT H O RG A N I Z AT IO N • R EG I O N A L O FF I C E FOR E U R O P E Scherfigsvej 8, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark Telephone: +45 39 17 17 17 Fax: +45 39 17 18 18 Electronic mail: postmaster@euro.who.int World Wide Web address: http://www.euro.who.int WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION REGIONAL COMMITTEE FOR EUROPE SIXTIETH SESSION Moscow, Russian Federation 13–16 September 2010 Guide for participants Moscow Moscow is one of the most beautiful cities in the Russian Federation, and plays an important role in the country’s industrial, scientific and cultural life. Some of Moscow’s museums are known throughout the world: the Tretyakov Gallery, with its magnificent collection of Russian fine art, the State Historical Museum, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, and many more. Moscow’s outstanding features are its radial ring urban design, laid out at the end of the sixteenth century, and its landscape with rolling hills and the sharp curves of the Moskva river. The Kremlin, the Arbat quarter, Novodevichy Convent, Poklonnaya Hill, Red Square: Moscow has preserved a multitude of historic and architectural monuments. Moscow’s inhabitants fondly call their town “golden-domed Moscow”. This is the perfect name for a city where so many majestic churches and cathedrals have been built over the centuries. Many of the places of worship are so unique that the experts speak of “Moscow church architecture”, a particular style that was, to a great extent, defined the development of church building in Russia. Moscow’s most famous places of worship include St Basil’s Cathedral and the restored Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Moscow has always played a central role in Russia’s history. It was first mentioned in the chronicles in 1147 and, by the first half of the thirteenth century, had become the centre of an independent appanage principality; by the end of the fifteenth century, it was the capital of the developing unified Russian state. Moscow gradually became one of the largest cities in Europe and one of the most important centres in Russia: it was here that the first Russian book was printed, the first Russian theatre established and the first Russian newspaper published. Moscow has lived through many experiences. It has united the forces of the Russian people in the fight against foreign invaders: first, the Tatar Mongol hordes, under whose yoke the Russian lands suffered for more than two and a half centuries; in 1612, the Polish-Lithuanian interventionists; and in 1812, Napoleon’s army. Two thirds of all the city’s buildings were destroyed in the fire that raged after Napoleon’s invasion. When the Russian troops freed Moscow, huge effort was needed to resurrect the broken city. Napoleon was the last foreign invader to take Moscow. In the winter of 1941, when Hitler’s troops came to the very gates of the capital, the Russian command put all its force into preventing the enemy from entering the city. In the bloody combat that ensued, the German army suffered its first major defeat of the Second World War. The enemy was repelled from the walls of the capital, and Moscow was honoured with the name of “Hero City”. Today still, Moscow plays a decisive role in the country’s life. It is the seat of Russia’s government, headed by the President, where important decisions are taken on the country’s future. Moscow, with its history and its inimitable charm, has become the symbol of the Russian Federation. Contemporary Moscow has a unique architectural landscape, ancient churches alongside modern buildings, winding old alleys meeting broad boulevards. Despite some fundamental changes, Moscow remains an intrinsically captivating ancient town, feted in verse and song, enticing travellers, delighting its contemporaries. Population: approximately 13.5 million. Local time: GMT + 3. Telephone dialling code: +7 (495) or +7 (499). Information on restaurants and bars, shops, entertainment centres, nightlife, etc., may be found at http://www.moscow.info Contents Page Date and place .................................................................................................................................. 1 Registration ...................................................................................................................................... 1 Working languages and documentation ........................................................................................... 1 Submissions by delegations ............................................................................................................. 2 Travel arrangements ......................................................................................................................... 2 Arrival in Moscow ........................................................................................................................... 2 Local transport ................................................................................................................................. 2 Visas ................................................................................................................................................. 3 Lunches ............................................................................................................................................ 3 Currency ........................................................................................................................................... 3 Climate and clothing ........................................................................................................................ 3 Insurance .......................................................................................................................................... 4 Personal security .............................................................................................................................. 4 Medical services ............................................................................................................................... 4 Internet café ...................................................................................................................................... 4 Hotel accommodation ...................................................................................................................... 4 Social events ..................................................................................................................................... 6 Accompanying persons’ programme ............................................................................................... 7 Annex 1. Excursion registration form Annex 2. Visa application
Guide for Participants page 1 Date and place The sixtieth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe will open on Monday, 13 September at 09:00 and close no later than 12:30 on Thursday, 16 September 2010. The session will be held at the Holiday Inn Moscow Sokolniki. Address: Ul. Rusakovskaya 24 Moscow 107014 Russian Federation Phone: +7 495 786 7373 Fax: +7 495 786 7374 Internet: www.hi-sokolniki.ru The Holiday Inn is situated approximately 33 km south-east of Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) and 54 km north-east of Domodedovo Airport (DME). It is 10 minutes by metro from the city centre. The sixtieth session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe will be held in a smoke-free environment. The credentials of representatives of Member States, and their alternates and advisers, should be communicated to the Regional Director by 27 August 2010. In accordance with Rule 1 of the Rules of Procedure of the Regional Committee, no more than two representatives may be nominated by each Member State; however, alternates and advisers may accompany representatives. A copy of the credentials form may be sent to the Secretariat (fax: +45 39 17 18 66 or +45 39 17 18 18) for advance information prior to delivery of the original document. Registration Registration will start at 18:30 on Sunday, 12 September 2010 during the welcome reception at the Holiday Inn and will continue on Monday, 13 September 2010 from 08:00. A provisional list of participants will be distributed at the opening of the session; this list will be compiled on the basis of the credentials received by the Secretariat by 18:00 on Friday, 27 August 2010. Participants are requested to check the information contained in the provisional list of participants and to report any changes to the Secretariat for inclusion in the final list. Working languages and documentation The working languages of the Committee are English, French, German and Russian. Statements made in any of these languages will be interpreted simultaneously into the other three languages. The official documentation of the session will be available in English, French, German and Russian and will be sent to participants during the first week of August 2010. Participants wishing to receive a CD-ROM containing the documentation for the session, instead of paper copies, should inform the Secretariat by e-mail to: rc@euro.who.int with an indication of the language(s) required. page 2 Guide for Participants Documents will also be available on the Internet: www.euro.who.int/RC at the beginning of August. Participants are kindly requested to bring all documents to the session. Submissions by delegations It would be appreciated if delegations wishing to have draft resolutions distributed to the Regional Committee could hand them to the Secretariat in good time, and at least two days before the proposal is discussed, to allow time for translation, reproduction in the working languages and circulation to delegations. The Secretariat is available, upon request, to provide logistic and editorial or information support as required. Travel arrangements Delegates should make their own travel arrangements for both outward and return journeys. Assistance with travel arrangements will be available during the session. Arrival in Moscow A WHO Regional Committee Reception Desk will be available at Sheremetyevo (SVO) and Domodedovo (DME) airports to assist participants on arrival and to arrange transport to the hotels mentioned in this Guide. For transfer from Moscow’s Sheremetyevo-2 Airport (Terminal F): after passport and customs control, delegates should go to the Academservice office on the ground floor. For transfer from Moscow’s Domodedovo airport: after passport and customs control, delegates should go to the Academservice office in the international arrivals hall. Academservice representatives are on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Holiday Inn Moscow Sokolniki is situated 33 km from Sheremetyevo Airport and 54 km from Domodedovo Airport. Directions to the Holiday Inn either by car or by public transport may be found at www.hi-sokolniki.ru/location. The approximate cost of a taxi from either Sheremetyevo or Domodedovo airport to the Holiday Inn is 2500 roubles. Participants wishing to travel by taxi are recommended to book in advance through a taxi company operating with fixed prices. One such company, where the receptionists speak English, is “Go-to.ru” http://english.go-to.ru/, phone: +7 495 730 5477. Local transport Bus shuttles will be arranged during the session each day to transport participants between their hotels and the Holiday Inn, where the session will take place. Transport in connection with the social events will also be organized. Please check the timetable that will be displayed in the lobby of your hotel and at the Holiday Inn. Guide for Participants page 3 Visas Most foreign nationals require an entry visa to travel to the Russian Federation. Please contact your nearest Russian consulate in good time for further information. The procedure for obtaining a visa for the Regional Committee session is as follows: • the form appended as Annex 2 should be completed and sent to the WHO Regional Office for Europe (fax: +45 39 17 18 18; e-mail: rc@euro.who.int); • the request will be submitted to the Russian authorities; • an authorization number will be issued and forwarded to you; • the visa may be collected at your nearest Russian Embassy/Consulate by quoting the authorization number and date of issue, and submitting the completed visa application form and two recent passport photos. When collecting the visa, the official invitation is not needed, provided you have the visa authorization reference number. There will be a fee, which is payable to the embassy/consulate either on submission of the completed form or at the time of visa issue. The amount to be charged will be given on the website of the embassy/consulate. Please note that it takes at least 7 working days from receipt of the application by the authorities in the Russian Federation to process an application for a single entry visa, while processing an application for a multi-entry visa requires 14 working days. It is vital to submit a visa request well in advance, since time also needs to be allowed for collection of the visa at your local Russian Embassy/Consulate. A list of embassies and consulates is given at http://www.mid.ru/zu_r.nsf/strawebeng. Lunches A lunch buffet will be served at the Holiday Inn from Monday, 13 September to Wednesday, 15 September, generously offered to all participants by the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation. Currency The monetary unit in the Russian Federation is the Russian Ruble (RUB). As of 1 April 2010, US$ 1 = 29.45 RUB; €1 = 39.70 RUB A cash dispenser/ATM is located within the Holiday Inn. There are also banks close to the hotel. Climate and clothing The weather in Moscow in September is usually warm and sunny, with temperatures likely to be between 15 °C and 20 °C. Some rain can be expected. Clothing is informal for all occasions. page 4 Guide for Participants Insurance The Secretariat cannot accept liability for personal accidents or loss of or damage to the private property of participants or accompanying persons, either during or indirectly arising from attendance at the sixtieth session of the Regional Committee for Europe. Participants should make their own arrangements with respect to health and travel insurance. Personal security As in all large cities, delegates are advised to take precautions when moving around Moscow and particular attention should be paid to the following guidelines: • stay alert – watch your luggage and briefcase/handbag; avoid advertising attractive and valuable items; • beware of pick-pockets; • avoid walking alone at night – keep to well-lit areas; be aware of your surroundings; • avoid crowds, demonstrations and rallies; • always ask for proper identification before surrendering your passport; • be particularly vigilant at the airport, on public transport and when checking into your hotel; The police emergency number is 02 and can be accessed from any phone: when dialling from an international mobile phone, dial 020. Please note that operators are usually Russian- speaking only. In case of problems contacting the police or medical services, a team at the Ministry of Health and Social Development will be available to help or give advice. They may be reached at +7 495 692 0515 or +7 495 621 8603. Medical services A medical team will be on duty at the Holiday Inn during the sessions. At other times, the local number for the emergency services in Moscow is 03, which can be accessed from any phone. When dialling from an international mobile phone, dial 030. Please note that operators are usually Russian-speaking only. Internet café Internet access, fax and printing facilities will be available to participants during the session. Use of several stationary PCs will be offered, as well as wireless access for personal laptops in both the common areas and the individual meeting rooms. Hotel accommodation Rooms are available at the hotels shown below; the number of rooms available at each hotel is indicated. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard/Eurocard and Diners) are accepted at the hotels listed below. Please note that American Express is not accepted. A hotel reservation form will shortly become available at www.euro.who.int/RC Guide for Participants page 5 Moscow Marriott Grand Hotel (5*) (20 standard rooms) Address: Ul. Tverskaya 26/1 Moscow 125009 Russian Federation Phone: +7 495 937 0000 Fax: +7 495 937 0001 Internet: www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mowgr-moscow- marriott-grand-hotel/ Rates: Standard rooms (single/double) – 10 200/11 200 roubles VAT: 18% included Buffet breakfast included. The Marriott Grand is situated in the heart of the city near Red Square, the Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre. The hotel has its own fitness centre, which includes a swimming pool and sauna. Rooms are equipped with safe, mini-bar, hairdryer, work areas and internet access. Holiday Inn Moscow Sokolniki (4*) (255 standard rooms + 18 junior/executive suites) Address: Ul. Rusakovskaya 24 Moscow 107014 Russian Federation Phone: +7 495 786 7373 Fax: +7 495 786 7374 Internet: www.hi-sokolniki.ru Rates: Standard rooms (single/double) – 6500/7500 roubles Junior/Executive suite (single/double) – 15 000 roubles VAT: 18% included Buffet breakfast included. The Holiday Inn is situated 10 minutes by metro from the city centre (Sokolniki metro station is opposite the hotel). The hotel has its own fitness centre, which includes a swimming pool and sauna. Rooms are equipped with safe, mini-bar, hairdryer and internet access. page 6 Guide for Participants Hotel Borodino (4*) (58 standard + 7 business rooms + 5 studios) Address: Ul. Rusakovskaya 13/5 107140 Moscow Russian Federation Phone: +7 495 981 9515 Internet: www.borodinohotel.com/hotel/about/en.htm Rates: Standard rooms (single/double) – 4800/5800 roubles Business rooms (single/double) – 5500/6500 roubles Studios (single/double) – 6500/7500 roubles VAT: 18% included Buffet breakfast included. The Hotel Borodino is situated approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the Holiday Inn. The hotel has its own fitness centre, which includes a swimming pool and sauna. Rooms are equipped with safe, mini-bar, hairdryer and internet access. Hotel Vega (3*) (50 business rooms) Address: 71, 3V Izmailovskoye shosse 105613 Moscow Russian Federation Phone: +7 495 956 0506 Internet: www.hotel-vega.ru/about.en.html?kk=81072da26f Rates: Business rooms (single/double) – 3600/3900 roubles VAT: 18% included Buffet breakfast included. The Vega is a large hotel close to “Partizanskaya” metro station. Rooms are equipped with mini-refrigerator and hairdryer; internet access is available at an additional cost. NOTE: it could take up to 45 minutes (depending on traffic) to travel from this hotel to the Holiday Inn. Social events Participants and accompanying persons are invited to attend the receptions shown below without prior registration. Advance registration, however, is required for the whole-day excursion on Friday, 17 September 2010 (see Annex 1). Transportation by bus will be provided for all events. Guide for Participants page 7 Sunday, 12 September 2010 at 18:30 Welcome reception hosted by the Ministry of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation at the Holiday Inn Moscow Sokolniki. Monday, 13 September 2010 at 19:00 Reception hosted by the Minister of Health and Social Development of the Russian Federation at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Moscow. Tuesday, 14 September 2010 at 19:30 Reception hosted by the WHO Regional Director for Europe at the Tsereteli Museum – Gallery of Arts. Friday, 17 September 2010 10:00-18:00 Whole-day excursion – Moscow The excursion will visit the main points of interest in Moscow, including the Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Novodevichy Convent. The excursion is offered free-of- charge; however, lunch will be at the participant’s own expense. Please complete the registration form in Annex 1 and return it to Academservice by 30 July 2010. The excursion will be provided with Russian- and English- speaking guides. Accompanying persons’ programme A programme with a choice of excursions will be available for accompanying persons. Details, including costs, of the excursions offered will be published on the Regional Committee website (www.euro.who.int/RC).
Guide for Participants page 9 Annex 1. Excursion registration form
Guide for Participants page 11 Annex 2. Visa application