Welcome to the Fair Knowledge from the South, Regional Exchange of Solutions, an event being promoted by the Government of the Republic of Panama and the United Nations System led by the United Nations Development Program, and for which, the City of Knowledge Foundation is a strategic partner.

This encounter, which is organized around regional activities that have been carried out within the framework of South-South Cooperation, will showcase, first hand, successful solutions, programs and initiatives in the area of Social Development. At the same time it will highlight the challenges, mechanisms and policies that have been put in place in Latin America and the Caribbean to facilitate processes of exchanges and knowledge transfer.

Registration

Those who wish to participate in the activities of the Fair can register by clicking here until April 20, 2012. Due to logistical limitations, registration is limited.

Hotels

Taking into account security and ease of movement, we suggest accommodation in the areas closest to the Fair. The following hotels are recommended:

Hotel Holiday Inn Ciudad del Saber. Ave. Omar Torrijos Herrera, Clayton, Ciudad del Saber. Tel: +507- 317 4000 Daily Rate: $112 (includes breakfast).

Hotel Radisson Summit. Hotel & Golf Panama, Via a Gamboa (a 5 Km de Ciudad del Saber, 10 minutos). Tel: +507- 232 4000. Daily Rate: $ 99 (includes breakfast).

These hotels offer a wide range of services for the comfort of their guests, including a business center, free Wi-Fi, gym, pool, and others. In order to see other hotels in the city you can check our website: www.visitpanama.com

Travel

Each participant should reserve his or her own flight. We suggest that those who are interested reserve their flights as soon as possible.

Visas

United Nations officials who have Laissez-Passer, do not need a visa to enter Panama. Participants who are traveling with their national passport should remember that it is their responsibility to obtain a visa if it is necessary. Several different nationalities require a visa to enter Panama. Please consult the Embassy or Consulate of Panama in your country. You may also click here for general information.

In those cases in which a visa is necessary, we recommend beginning the process as soon as possible.

Important notes:

• At the time of arrival to Panama, your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after the date of arrival.

• Visas will not be issued at the airport.

• Citizens of any nationality who have a valid visa issued by the United States, Australia, Canada or any state which is a member of the European Union that has been used for entry into the country that issued it, may enter the Republic of Panama without an additional visa.

Transportation from the airport

The Tocumen Airport in Panama offers taxi service to the City of Knowledge for a cost of 40$ aprox.

Other logistical concerns

• Language: The main language of the event will be Spanish and there will be simultaneous interpretation for the plenaries.

• Climate: The climate in Panama is tropical, generally very hot throughout the year, with average temperatures of between 24° y 31° Celsius (75° - 88° Fahrenheit). During the month of May there may be rain. We recommend that you bring a light jacket for air conditioned zones.

• Electricity: The voltage in Panama is 110V/60Hz.

• Currency: The currency in circulation is the US Dollar. Some coins are issued in the local currency, Balboas, and they have the same value as the equivalent coin in USD. There are ATMs and currency exchanges in the airport and the hotels near the event.

• Vaccinations: There are no vaccinations required for entry to Panama.

• Free accident insurance: The Government of Panama offers free medical insurance to those visitors who are not residents of Panama and will remain in Panama for less than 30 days.

Visit the official website of Panama: www.visitpanama.com to obtain more information.