INFORMATION

FORUM & MEETING VENUE

Samoa is among the first Pacific Island countries to entertain the realization that in order to be true to the democratic principle of self-determination, it has its own institution of higher learning to cater for its identified needs.

The Le Iunivesite Aoao o Samoa (National University of Samoa) was established in 1984 on land inland of Apia known as Le Papaigalagala. This site is reiterated in the mythology of Samoa as the rock of quench where life had been saved from the wrath of the ruler of the land. Upon this land stands Le Iunivesite Aoao o Samoa (NUS) overlooking the tranquil turquoise lagoon encircling Apia harbour. Its Le Papaigalgala campus facilities will be the venue for both meetings. This location is well served by public transport.

TRAVEL & ACCOMODATION

Samoa offers a wide variety of beautifully reasonably priced hotels offering high standards of service and hospitality.
You are responsible for your travel arrangements and accommodation bookings. It is required that you must book early, as early as January 2006, as the Forum and Meeting dates falls on the Teuila Festival week. It is a very busy time here, and an influx of people coming to participate in the activities of Teuila and also a tourist attraction. Make sure you get on with travel arrangements and accommodation bookings early! For reservations plse go to www.pasifikahotels.samoa. You may sight the rooms and their costs online and hotel/motel accomodations contacts are on each website.

PASSPORTS, ENTRY VISAS, CUSTOMS

All international visitors require a valid passport to enter Samoa and stay up to 30 days. You must also have confirmed returned airline tickets. A departure tax of SAT40.00 is payable at the airport. You must have enough funds to support your stay in Samoa.

SPNF REGISTRATION

The registration desk will open on Sunday, 3 September 2006 in the afternoon from 2.00 - 6.00PM. All participants and observers are to be registered here prior to the opening of the Forum. The desk will also be open between 8.00AM - 9.00AM each day. Any other or all enquiries or any messages are to be directed to this desk. Please be clear that there are no pre registration forms for this forum. You will be registered as you enter the conference venue.

All conference participants has to be registered at the Registration fee of SAT500.00 each; SAT80.00 per day for observers.
The Forum bag, morning/afternoon tea, and lunch are included in the registration fee.

There will be receptions during the week that full fee registered persons will be given passes to attend.

NAME BADGES

Please wear your name badges for identification at all meetings and social functions.

COUNTRY FLAG

Please bring a country flag for the procession at the Opening Ceremony.

PRESENTERS AND PRESENTATIONS

The length of any presentation is 20 minutes and 10 minutes for discussion and comments. The chairperson of each session will conduct discussion and must come up with recommendations that will be presented at the SPNF meeting proper. It is important that these presentations be made useful for learning experiences.
Please be watchful of the time, as participants might change to hear other presentations in another venue.

SMOKING

Smoking is not permitted anywhere in the compound or the venues at NUS.

CLIMATE

September is cooler month in Samoa. Usually the sea-breeze fans the day and land-breeze cools the evening, but it can be changeable. Cool, light cotton clothes most suitable for daily wear. For the dainty ladies, a light sweater might be suitable for the evenings. Might need a raincoat or umbrella.
Please dress to suit the weather and to respect our cultural values during the meetings.

FALEOLO AIRPORT

Faleolo Airport is the principal gateway to Samoa. Located about 12 miles (30 - 45 minutes) from Apia's central business area. The drive from Faleolo Airport to Apia is a spectacular spread of villages with traditional styles and churches of various structures ranging from Gothic to Episcopal, Roman Catholic to Mormon Structures and to contemporary styles with a touch of traditional layout. Samoa is a church building nation and the people are very proud of their heritage. They are warm and hospitable.
You will never be lost in Samoa but you will only be lost with the beauty and tranquility of this Island Paradise we call it "Home". So, come to our "home" and welcome to Samoa!