Frequently Asked Questions

We've collated a list of information that the WoCo Planning team have been asked during the lead-up to the Conference

GENERAL INQUIRIES

• Keynote Speakers

The two keynote speakers for the conference are:

1. Annita Demetriou is the first woman to be elected as Speaker of the House of Representatives in Cyprus (June 2021) and the first female President of the biggest political party in Cyprus, the Democratic Rally (DISY), after an election held in March 2023. She is also the youngest person who has served in both these roles, as she is 38 years old (born 18 October 1985).

   As a politician and as President of the House of Representatives, she has included in her priorities, among others, the promotion of human rights, the eradication for gender stereotypes and the protection of the environment.

2. Josie Christodoulou holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Indianapolis, USA, and a MA on Racial Equality Studies, Middlesex University, UK. She is an expert on women’s rights, the promotion of gender equality including gender and migration, and trafficking in human beings. From 2004 – 2018, she worked as a Policy Coordinator at the Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies (MIGS) where she also played a vital role in the development, monitoring and implementation of the Institute’s strategy and policy. She served on different boards of directors including as a board member of the Cyprus Women’s Lobby and contributed in the creation of the European Network of Migrant Women in Brussels. As a national expert, she worked with European Commission and Council of Europe groups of experts on issues related to the combatting of trafficking in human beings. From 2019 - January 2022, she served as Advisor to the Cyprus Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, on mainstreaming gender in foreign policy. In this capacity, Ms. Christodoulou developed and implemented the Framework of Action on gender mainstreaming in Foreign Policy of the Ministry. She has contributed in the development of different legislations in relation to women’s rights and the combatting of trafficking in human beings. She has several publications including research reports and book chapters. She conducted a number of seminars and trainings and participated in international and national conferences.

• Devices needed to vote 

The system can be used on phones, laptops, ipads and/or tablets. It requires the ability to connect to the internet or Wi-Fi as it is completely online. 

• Charging points 

Ideally, have all your devices fully charged before you get to the venue as while there are some charging points it may not be sufficient for over 540 delegates attending the conference. The charging points will be found in the networking spaces. 

• Flag bearer 

During the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday 26 July, each MO has been asked to nominate a representative to carry their national flag. All flag bearers will receive a briefing message in advance of the Opening to enable them to prepare for this role.  

• Hotels, restaurant, and shopping options for free nights 

• How to use the World Conference Pigeon Holes: 

The World Conference pigeon holes allow conference participants to connect with other Member Organisation delegations via the head delegates. 

You can access the pigeon holes from the World Conference Participants Space. Simply log into Campfire, click on Spaces on the main menu, choose 38th WAGGGS World Conference, and select Participant’s Space. 

Scroll down to the Connect with Others section and click on the World Conference Pigeon Holes link. 

The countries are arranged by Region. Simply click on the country that you wish to connect with and the create private message screen will display with the head delegate for the country listed. Add your message and click send. 

Head delegates don’t forget to check your messages on Campfire via the envelope on the top right of the screen. 

• Financial Transactions

All financial transactions will be done in CASH and in Euros. There will not be any card payments allowed.

• Information Desk

During Conference we will have an Information Desk open each day to answer any questions that might come up during your time in Cyprus.

• Travel Agent Desk

During Conference we have a Desk run by Top Kinesis open each day to answer any questions on tours, experiences and bus services in Cyprus.

• Locations for events in Cyprus

Our team in Cyprus have created a google map for you to look at to understand distances, find the closest ATM's etc.

• International Night and World Market

1. There is no requirement to book a table. All Member organisations will be provided a space and table (c. 180cm x 80cm).
2. The dress code for the whole day (Thursday 27 July 2023) is national dress to avoid needing to change but the option to change at the venue in the evening for those with more elaborate outfits is available. 

TRAVEL & TRANSFERS
 

• Return airport transfers 

The registration fee includes a return transfer from the airport to the Conference hotels (as listed in the Booking Pack). Participants do need to have completed their Travel Information Form to access this service as this provides the host team with their flight and accommodation details. If you have not done so by 16 July 2023 - there is no guarantee for bus transfers availability.

If arriving on or before 23 July or post 26 July

There are no conference transfers available from the airport to hotels on 23 July and prior as well as after 26 July. Please use the Shuttle bus from the Airport to Nicosia station and then take a taxi to your hotel.

Online booking of Shuttle Bus: https://kapnosairportshuttle.com/routes

Please also, save the telephone number of a 24h service taxi: +35722318318

If arriving between 24 July to 26 July

On arrival, participants will be met at the airport by volunteers from Cyprus Girl Guides Association (CGGA). They will ensure assistance with transfers from the airport for all participants. Please make sure that you are wearing a scarf so that CGGA can easily identify you. On departure, participants will be transferred from their hotels to the airport. Travellers should generally be at the airport two hours ahead of flight departure time. You will have entered your arrival and departure times on the Travel Information form. Please send an email to CGGA [email protected] if there are any changes to this.

• Transportation from hotel to the Conference venue at the start of the day 

This is not routinely provided, except for those who declared any additional needs on their registration form. 

However, as the Planning Team became aware of a desire for this service, we have secured a local transport provider to collect participants at 8am and bring them to the Conference venue. Information about transport on site is available here and you can book a collection for each day of the Conference for a fee of Euro 50. 

• Transportation from Conference venue to hotels at the end of the day 

Please be aware that Nicosia is a very safe city to walk around in at night. As an alternative, you can call a cab, request one from the service staff, or make arrangements in advance with the information desk. You may also board one of the public buses at the central bus station or any other bus stop. More details on the routes are available here. Last but not least, as the organisers scheduled a morning pick up to the venue, they will be pleased to receive your reservations and, if more than 50 people desire it, we will be able to arrange evening trips to the allocated hotels. 
 

Transport from the venue to hotels at the end of the day varies according to the programme. Here is a summary of arrangements: 
 

• Wednesday 26 July 

Collection by bus from Conference venue from 17:00 and transport to Opening Ceremony. 

Return bus transport at the end of Opening Ceremony back to Conference hotels. 

All included within registration fee. 

• Thursday 27 July 

International Night will take place at the Conference venue. 

Participants can bring a change of clothes and items for the World Market in the morning and these can be stored securely on site and there will be a changing area available for those that wish to change their attire for the evening. 

Return bus transport at the end of Opening Ceremony back to Conference hotels. All included within registration fee. 
 

• Friday 28 July 

This is a free evening. The Conference will finish at 18:00 and participants are expected to make their own way back to their hotels. However, a local taxi firm is available for those that wish to book their own transport or you can book an evening bus pass on the Cyprus website. 

• Saturday 29 July 

Cyprus Night will take place at a location adjacent to the Conference venue. 

Return bus transport at the end of Cyprus night back to Conference hotels. All included within registration fee. 
 

• Sunday 30 July 

This is a free evening. The Conference will finish at 18:00 and participants are expected to make their own way back to their hotels. However, a local taxi firm is available for those that wish to book their own transport or you can book an evening bus pass on the Cyprus website. 
 

• Monday 31 July 

The Conference will finish at 15:45 and participants are expected to make their own way back to their hotels. However, a local taxi firm is available for those that wish to book their own transport. 

For the Closing Ceremony the Service Team will escort participants, on foot, from their Conference hotels to the venue. Participants are expected to make their own way back to their hotels at the end of the Closing Ceremony. Again, taxis are available to book or the local bus station is right opposite the venue if this would be preferable. 

• Options to return to hotels from the Conference venue during the day 

On most days of the Conference, there will be three breaks (45 minutes in the morning and afternoon for refreshments and a lunch break of 90 minutes). 

There will be a number of spaces at the venue to relax in: 

· Indoor ‘chill out’ / relaxation area with bean bags etc. 

· Prayer room 

· Outdoor spaces 

· Smoking areas 

Lunch will be provided in the cafeteria on site between 12:45 and 14:15. 

These breaks are a good chance to network with other participants as well as to relax. 

We have tried to provide all that will be needed on site for participants. However, if anyone still wishes to return to their accommodation during their day, taxis would be available to book. 

GET READY FOR GOVERNANCE PROGRAMME - YOUTH PRE-EVENT

• Where is the Youth Pre-Event taking place?

Venue Name: Πολυδύναμος Πολυχώρος Κοινωνικής Πρόνοιας και Απασχόλησης Δήμου Λάρνακας / Multi-functional Centre for Social Activities and Welfare of Larnaka Municipality

Venue Address: Φανερωμένης 62, Λάρνακα 6025 / Faneromenis 62, Larnaca 6025, Cyprus.

The venue can be found on google maps here. 

• What time is the Youth Pre-Event?

Registration for the pre-event will open at 8.30am. The event will commence at 9am and will finish at 5.30pm. After the event we will head to the Welcome Beach Party hosted by the Cyprus Girl Guides Association. After this we will return to Larnaca hotels for luggage and bus transfer. We expect to arrive in Nicosia at approximately 23:00.

• I have organised my own accommodation for the night of the 24th, how do I get to the Youth Pre-Event?

If you have organised your own accommodation for the night of the 24th; you will need to make your own way to the pre-event venue. There are buses from Nicosia to Larnaca or alternatively you may like to take a taxi. Please note this telephone number of a 24h service taxi if needed: +35722318318. 

• Are meals included on the 24th of July?

Meals on the 24th of July will be at your own cost and are not included.

Please see below restaurant suggestions for Larnaca from the Cyprus Girl Guides Association:

• What meals are included at the pre-event on the 25th of July?

Lunch, coffee breaks and dinner will be included as part of the pre-event. For those staying at one of the pre-event hotels in Larnaca; breakfast is also included at your hotel.

• I arrive before the 24th of July, can I get an airport transfer?

The Cyprus Girl Guides Association (CGGA) are arranging airport transfers commencing on the 24th of July onwards. As you arrive earlier than this date, you will need to arrange your own airport transfer. There are a number of transport options available at the airport, however please note the following  telephone number of a 24h service taxi if needed: +35722318318

• Other members of my delegation will also be in Larnaca on the 24th of July. Can they join the free walking tour?

Yes; if they complete the walking tour confirmation form here

• What should I wear to the Youth Pre-Event?

Please wear informal guiding/scouting clothes, scarf and comfortable shoes. As temperatures will be hot and there will be the opportunity to sit outside during meal breaks; you may like to bring a hat and sunscreen. 

• What do I need to bring?

1. Device to connect to wi-fi - this may be a phone, laptop or tablet. As we are trying to reduce waste and be as sustainable as possible; the programme materials for this event will be on WAGGGS online platform Campfire rather than printed (please make sure you have set up your account).
2. National Flag for parade to Welcome Party
3. Swimwear if you would like to swim at the evening beach party.
4. A notebook and pen if you may wish to write notes from your experience

• I am not staying at a World Conference approved hotel in Nicosia. Can I have a transfer from Larnaca to my hotel in Nicosia on the 25th of July?

As many participants are staying at a wide variety of hotels and Airbnb’s we will not be able to transfer those who are staying outside of the approved World Conference Hotels. You will still be able to receive a transfer to Nicosia and will be dropped at one of the World Conference hotels where you can make your own way to your accommodation.

EMERGENCIES

• Emergency Contact Numbers During Conference 

1. Girl Guides Association of Cyprus (Whatsapp) +35 7997 37124  
2. WAGGGS (Whatsapp) +44 7825 107893 

• Visa Related Emergencies 

In case of an emergency outside working hours, you may contact the Duty Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on +357 99660129. In order to ensure that we will be able to respond adequately in cases where there is a real need, calls to the Duty Officer should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. 

Do you have a question that is not covered here?

Ask it in the group discussion:

Questions and Answers about Cyprus