iaas world congress 2015 preparation document
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WOCO ‘15
How to Feed the Planet
Preparation Document
IAAS Headquarters
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Faculty of Bioscience Engineering
Kasteelpark Arenberg 20
B-3001 Heverlee, Leuven, Belgium
Tel: 0032 (0) 16 32 17 36
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Contents
Welcome .......................................................................................................................................................... 3
World Congress 2015 ................................................................................................................................. 4
Important Facts About WOCO15 ........................................................................................................... 6
The Netherlands .................................................................................................................... 6
Belgium .................................................................................................................................. 7
Switzerland ............................................................................................................................ 8
Italy ........................................................................................................................................ 9
Visa information ......................................................................................................................................... 12
What documents do you need to obtain a visa? ................................................................. 12
Participation Fee ......................................................................................................................................... 14
Annulation ........................................................................................................................... 14
Important deadlines for registration: .................................................................................. 14
Application requirements .................................................................................................... 14
Draft schedule ............................................................................................................................................. 15
Team ............................................................................................................................................................... 16
Contact .......................................................................................................................................................... 17
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Welcome
Dear IAAS-member,
On behalf of the Organizing Team (OC) of the World Congress 2015, it is our
pleasure to invite you to support and contribute to a unique event that gathers
students of agricultural and related sciences and young agronomists from all over
the world.
This event provides an irreplaceable opportunity to get in touch with young agronomists and active youth leaders from various IAAS committees, gathered in
one place, ready to exchange and work together, in an exceptional learning
environment.
We would like to offer our participants’ experience by being in contact with business leaders, learning about innovative company cultures, and helping our
students in the acquisition of professional practices and knowledge. Together
with you, we will engage you in professional development while developing your
own personal networks.
Nevertheless the focus of this World Congress is mainly to improve the soft skills
of our participants, attention will be paid to traditional IAAS activities as well to
offer all our participants a one-in-a-life time experience in Western Europe!
We really hope YOU will be part of it and the OC is looking forward to welcome
you in the Netherlands in July 2015.
Best regards,
Damien Tschopp
World Congress International Coordinator
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World Congress 2015
WOCO15 is our largest and most important event of the year! In addition to the regular knowledge transfer, networking opportunities, lots of fun and new friends, our General Assembly (GA) will take place. For the year 2015, as none of the member countries are able to host this event individually, the WOCO15 will take place in several parts of central Europe. Starting in the Netherlands, the participants will travel to Belgium and Switzerland and will end in Italy. During this journey, you will have the unique opportunity to experience Europe from a scientific, entrepreneurial, cultural, political and historical perspective. An introduction to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), a visit to the parliament in Brussels, tours through the visiting cities, and lead discussions about current topics will all be key components during these three weeks. During the first weeks of the World Congress, most of the attention will be paid to the GA of IAAS World, company visits and member based projects. The GA does not only act as the governing body of our association but will also offer the chance to our participants to improve their soft skills. Hands-on learning experiences in the field of democratic structures and decision making processes, strategic planning, and the evaluation of past developments are topics which will be discovered and treated. Furthermore, company visits and member-based projects, related to the theme: “How to Feed the Planet” will be organised. The goal of WOCO15 is to inform the participants about the agriculture methods in the different countries and to update them about the challenges for the future. In this case, the IAAS members will improve their knowledge concerning specific subjects dealt with during the World Congress and thus be able to discuss their new insights with the representatives at the World Exhibition 2015, in Milan. The participating universities:
University of Wageningen: This is one of the best known universities in Western Europe and one of the leading universities in the field of agriculture and related sciences! Lectures of prominent personalities of agricultural innovation will be provided as well as visits to the innovative agro-food sector. http://www.wageningenur.nl/en/wageningen-university.htm
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KU Leuven: The University of Leuven is the proud host of the IAAS headquarters and is a monument in the educational sector of Belgium. In this beautiful city, lectures and workshops will take place. http://www.kuleuven.be/english
ETHZ: The “Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich” is a worldwide known technical university located in Zürich, Switzerland. Like in Leuven, workshops, member-based projects and lectures will be provided on our subjects concerning the Expo of 2015. https://www.ethz.ch/en.html
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Important Facts About WOCO15
WOCO15: “How to Feed the Planet” will be hosted jointly by Belgium and
Switzerland and offers our participants the great opportunity to get to know
more about four interesting countries in Central Europe. From north to south,
WOCO15 will visit: the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Italy.
Overview of dates and places during WOCO: Country City Date
The Netherlands Zwolle 06/07-08/07
Belgium Leuven 08/07-14/07
Switzerland Zurich 15/05-22/07
Italy Milan 22/07-27/07
You will see different approaches for agriculture in the future to make it more sustainable and help to ensure food security on a global scale. Each country will
have a different focus with the aim to provide you with a good picture about how
Central Europe is trying to deal with different challenges. At the Expo in Milan at
the end, the focus widens up to a global perspective.
The Netherlands Holland is a country with a very rich history in culture, social and international trade. As Holland was once one of the mightiest countries on the sea, it has had many influences from countries all over the world. You can still find them in the cities and landscapes. Nevertheless the Netherlands are well known for its cheese, windmills and special houses (e.g. Amsterdam), the “Hollanders” are famous for their eloquence, open characters and are always in for a nice chat! It is a country definitely worth visiting. Cities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht Facts about the Netherlands:
Population 16.8777.351
Surface area 41.543 km2
Federal Capital Amsterdam
Head of State King Willem-Alexander
Prime Minister Mark Rutte
National Day 5th of May
National languagues Dutch
Currency Euro
Time zone GMT+1
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Belgium Belgium is one of the smallest countries of Europe, but can offer you a huge diversity. The heart of Europe has both a coast, “mountains”, beautiful cities and last but not least: an immense history of glory. Belgium is so much more than beer, French fries, chocolate and our popular national soccer team: Red Devils. Once you get to know this crazy country, you will notice immediately that we can offer you a lot! Mix the great history with multicultural aspects from all over the world, and you can imagine that the heart of Europe is on no account a boring country! To illustrate: longest time without a government and Belgian is still going well, more than 5000 beers brewed and a countless amount of waffles and chocolate consumed every day, one of the smallest national monuments ever, 4 governments and so much more! This hard working country with its famous cities like Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent and Brussels is definitely worth spending some time. Combine those fascinating cities with famous monuments like the “Atomium” or “Manneken pis” and our bourgondic way of life and you know immediately why Belgium is a fixed value in many tourist guides. Do you still think Belgium is a boring country? I we don’t think so!! Getting triggered? Apply for WOCO and visit us!! We are waiting for you! and Leuven is very proud of both its past and its heritage, and rightly so. Leuven has developed into a well-equipped, modern town with a thriving service industry economy. Since the foundation of the university in 1425 Leuven has been both a city and a university. From the very beginning the two were interlinked and hence share a particularly rich past. Yet Leuven does not rest on its laurels. City and university use the most modern resources to further develop and to present themselves as the cradle of new ideas. The many historic and university buildings forming a heterogeneous but organic whole clearly indicates how Leuven city and university have merged. Cities: Bruges, Gent, Brussels, Antwerp Facts about Belgium:
Population 10.584.543 Surface area 30.528 km2
Federal Capital Brussels
Head of State King Albert II
Summer time GMT+2
Domestic electricity 220-230
Peak Vaalserberg(323m)
Average Temperature 10.1°C Annual average precipitation 832.5mm
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Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo
National Day 21st of July
National languages Dutch, French, German
Currency Euro Time zone GMT+1
Summer time GMT+2
Domestic electricity 220-230
Peak Signal de Botrange
Average Temperature 9.8°C
Annual average precipitation 780mm
Switzerland This spot in the middle of Europe is well known worldwide, despite its small size.
Its resistance against joining the European Union (EU) and a strong believe in
having the possibility to remain “neutral” and as independent as possible in this
globalised world may give you hints for the Swiss mentality. With four national
languages and 26 cantons and just as many different dialects, traditions and
cultures, a wide variety can be found. To prevent conflicts between those regions,
a federal political system and tolerance ensures peace. About all changes in constitution, Swiss citizens have to vote. Additionally, they have the possibility of
initiatives and referendum to influence the politics. Furthermore, there is no such
thing as a Prime Minister, but rather 7 in that position called Federal Councillors. They are heads of different departments and shall represent the political
landscape of Switzerland. It’s all about maintaining stability through mediation
and compromises instead of suppression as you can see. Wouldn’t that be a
concept worth spreading? Additionally, Switzerland has a long humanitarian tradition with Henry Dunant,
the founder of the Red Cross with headquarter in Geneva. This attracted also the
UN and other international organisations and enabled Switzerland a unique role
in the international parquet. For the sake of neutrality, Switzerland is not part of
any military alliances, but acts as a peace keeper in conflict regions, e.g. the border between North and South Korea and Kosovo.
Switzerland is a country with no natural resources, very high population density
and most parts are too mountainous for large scale agricultural productions.
Combined with long winters, most of the food is imported from all over the world.
Education, reliability and a high work ethic combined with innovative and
entrepreneurial thinking is therefore a main foundation for its successful
economy. This shows the importance of the Federal Institute of Technology (or:
ETH), holding a good reputation worldwide in different fields. Learn more about
the advantages of this business culture and also how you can fit in best.
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Zürich can be seen as the cultural, societal and economical centre of Switzerland.
Its liberal spirit since and modesty provided a good foundation for trade,
industries and all other kinds of business over a long period of time. Zurich also
has a long tradition as a refuge for political and cultural fugitives. They played an
important role in the development of this city and enriched it in different ways.
Just a few well-known names from former residents are Lenin, Einstein, Röntgen,
James Joyce, Kurt Tucholsky, Tina Turner and Richard Wagner. Experience the diversity and magic of this city.
However, without visiting the Alps, you will not understand Switzerland. You will
not understand why homesickness used to be called “Swiss illness”, why there are
so many tourists, or what it means to be a mountain farmer.
Facts about Switzerland:
Population 8’183’800 Density: 198/ km2
Surface Area 41’285 km2 (4.2% water)
Federal Capital Bern
Federal Councillors Simonetta Sommaruga, Didier Burkhalter, Doris Leuthard, Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, Ueli Maurer, Johann Schneider-Ammann, Alain Berset,
National Day 1st August
Official Languages German, French, Italian, Romansh
Currency Swiss Francs (CHF) Summer time GMT+2
Domestic electricity 220 V
Highest Peak 4634m Dufourspitze, Monte Rosa. Average temperature Summer: 16-30°C
Annual average precipitation
1048mm (Zürich)
Formation Foundation date: 1291 de facto: 22 September 1499 de jure: 24 October 1648 Restored: 7 August 1815 Federal State: 12 September 1848
Italy
Italy is a sunny, lovely and welcoming nation located in southern Europe. Beside
the well know boot-shaped peninsula, Italy includes the southern side of the great
Alps, the large plain in the north and some islands. Besides the stunning coast and
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obviously the exquisite food and wine, Italy has also some volcanoes, four of
which are still active: Vesuvius is the one that is famous for having destroyed
Pompeii, but no worries, is very far away from Milano! Because of his geography,
Italy has a variety of climate systems. The inland northern areas of Italy (like
Milano!) have a relatively cold climate, while the coastal areas and the peninsula
south of Florence have a Mediterranean climate. There is a considerable
difference in the temperature between the north and the south of the nation, above all during winter: it could be snowing in the Alps or in Milano, fresh in
Rome and mild in Sicily! Thus, in summer those differences are less extreme:
don’t forget your short and tops since the summer can be very hot in Milano as well!
Milano is the second-most populous city in Italy and the capital of Lombardy, in the north. This city founded by the Celts and conquered by the Romans has a population of about 1.3 million, 5th largest of Europe. During the Middle Ages, the city flourished as a commercial and banking centre. After the formation of the “Kingdom of Italy”, in 1859, Milano took the place of the economic, social and political centre and led the industrialization process of the nation. Milano enjoyed an economic boom after the World War II, strengthening his position as economical pole of the region. Nowadays she host the Italy’s main stock exchange and the headquarters of the largest national banks and companies. Milano is also one of the most renowned fashion cities in the world: if beside John Deere, Ford and Masse Ferguson you love Prada and Gucci as well, you will be at the right place (but bring quite a lot of money with you ;)). In 2015 Milano will host the Expo 2015: every aspect of this universal exhibition revolves around the Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life theme. This Expo represent an unique opportunity for all those who cares about food security, about a sustainable use of the resources we have left and about new solutions to feed the planets: also, for every IAAS Member! During the WOCO15 you will have the chance to visit the Expo and to be an active part of it. Of course we will visit the city and the nightlife of Milano as well, to have an amazing and unforgettable end of the WOCO15! Other Italian cities: Rome, Napoli, Torino, Palermo, Genova, Bologna, Firenze, Bari, Catania Facts about Italy:
Population 60’783’711
Surface area 301’340 km2
Federal Capital Roma
Head of State Giorgio Napolitano
Prime Minister Matteo Renzi
National Day 2nd of June
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National languages Italian
Currency The euro (€)
Time zone GMT+1
Summer time GMT+2 Domestic electricity 230 Volt (50 Hz)
Peak
Average Temperature 0° to 12° in Winter (north -south) 20° to 30° in Summer
Annual average precipitation 3000 mm in the north to 300 mm in Sicily
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Visa information Not everyone needs visa to enter the “Schengen-Zone”. Check on this website
whether you need it or not:
http://www.immihelp.com/visas/schengenvisa/requirements-exemptions.html
If you need one, you can apply for a Schengen Visa/ Visa C in an embassy or consulate of one of the four participating countries. Because all those four countries belong to the Schengen Area, you can easily enter all countries with a visa four one of those. Important is that you apply for a visa in the country that serves as your point of entry to the EU (depending on your choice of arrival airport)!!! All necessary and helpful information you will find on following page. Please read it!!! You can find the visa application forms on the right hand side of the page in different languages! http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/EinreiseUndAufenthalt/Visabestimmungen_node.html
Please also have a look if you are part of the mentioned countries in this latest developments: http://www.auswaertiges-mt.de/EN/EinreiseUndAufenthalt/Visumerleichterungsabkommen_node.html
What documents do you need to obtain a visa?
1. Completed visa application form:
Application form is available on the internet (see link above) or you can get it at the consulate/embassy This form has to be completed in Dutch, German, French or English. Please consider that you have an identity picture conforming the norms.
2. Travel document (ID, passport,…)
Which expires more than 3 months after departure of Schengen zone (so at least 6th of November 2012) Necessary: 2 open spaces/pages
3. Documents that show clearly your goal of travel and means of accommodation + your intention of returning to your country of origin.
o We will provide you a personal invitation after your application for WOCO15 is approved. This personal invitation is necessary to get visa! It states that both accommodation and food as well traveling expenses will be covered for by the organising committee and the intend of traveling will be defined as one of seminar so you don’t get any hassle with working visa.
o Return intentions: strong family ties, (grand)parents to be looked after, job, properties in your country, studying at university,… At times
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embassies seems to exaggerate this issues a bit but they are simply trying to prevent themselves from having problems with people not wanting to go back home. We did have problems with this some time ago applying for a visa for somebody from Ghana and the only way to deal with the topic is to provide all necessary documents without cheating on the system.
4. Documents that show your financial ability to travel (stay + travel back) E.g. bank receipts, credit card, cash (in convertible money), travel cheques, salary cheques, proof of job, proof of accommodation,… Ask your embassy/consulate about it!
5. Health insurance
6. Possibly your biometric information
When you have a confirmation about your obtained visa, you can get your visa at the embassy/consulate. When getting it, you will need a proof of transport to and back from Europe which mentions your name and is not changeable!! (so your flight ticket probably). Please keep in mind that the application procedures can take up to two to three months, so make sure you apply early enough, but not earlier than 3 months before entering Europe!!!! Nevertheless you can only apply for a visa three months before entering Europe, please start gathering already all the required documents. This will take time and can be done before the official registration.
If you have any questions about visa and traveling don’t hesitate to contact us via: [email protected]!!!
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Participation Fee The participation fee depends on your country of origin. There are four different categories (A, B, C and D) which all have different fee. To know in which category you country is listed, ask your national director.
Category of country
A B C D
Participation fee €
220 308 412.5 495
This participation fee is for all the 3 weeks for the whole WOCO15 in four countries, including all transport between those countries. Traveling with a big group through Europe is a unique chance but on the other hand, a huge amount of work for the organizing team. Because of this, it in only possible to register for the whole period! No exceptions will be made. Be aware that you have to pay 50% of the participation fee before the start of April. Payment details will follow when your application is approved. The other 50% should be paid by the end of May.
Annulation Due to the transportation, it is not possible to cancel your application. If you are approved and you paid (50% or 100%), you will not get that money back. Only one exception can be made, if you can prove that your visa application got denied. In this case, your money will be refunded.
Important deadlines for registration: January: Be aware of social media, applications will be opened! End of February: All countries have to apply before the 28th of February March: Everyone has to pay 50% of the participation fee before the 31st of
March April: Start VISA application!!!!! (only is you WOCO15 application is
approved!) May: Everyone has to pay 100% of the participation fee before the 30th of May July: the 6th of July, the start of an amazing period in your live will start!
Application requirements The application will be open in the start of January. WOCO15 is an IAAS World event, only members of IAAS are welcome to join. Some places are free for our partner organisations, those will be contacted. If you are a members of them, you will get more information by your executive board. Required documents, which should be provided to the Organizing Committee are: Curriculum vitae, motivation and proof of medical/health insurance.
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Draft schedule
Week 1: The Netherlands, Belgium
Monday, July 6: Arrivals and Welcome Activities Tuesday, July 7: Visit the University of Wageningen Wednesday, July 8: Excursion to Rotterdam and travel to Leuven Thursday, July 9: Visit the city of Leuven and its University, Opening Ceremony Friday, July 10: General Assembly and International night Saturday, July 11: Visit the European Parliament and Brussels Sunday, July 12: General Assembly and Trade Fair
Week 2: Belgium, Switzerland
Monday, July 13: Excursion to Belgian farms and companies Tuesday, July 14: Sightseeing and travel to Zürich Wednesday, July 15: Arrival in Zürich and Company Fair Thursday, July 16: General Assembly Friday, July 17: Excursion to Swiss farms and companies Saturday, July 18: General Assembly, Celebration of new EC Sunday, July 19: Cultural Tour and small hike in the mountains
Week 3: Switzerland, Italy
Monday, July 20: Explore the Swiss Alps Tuesday, July 21: Workshop I in the morning, hike and recreation in the afternoon Wednesday, July 22: Workshop II in the morning, hike and recreation in the afternoon Thursday, July 23: Travel to Milano and sightseeing Friday, July 24: Visiting and exploring the EXPO (Presentations and Workshops) Saturday, July 25: Visiting and exploring the EXPO (Presentations and Workshops) Sunday, July 26: Visiting and exploring the EXPO, Closing Ceremony Monday, July 27: Departures
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Team The organizational challenge of WOCO15 needs an Organisation committee that
can meet its high expectations. That is why our Organisation Committee is
composed of a total of 10 people shared between members of IAAS Belgium and
Switzerland. In addition 2 Executive Committee Members are involved as well. Tasks are divided in two levels, International and National.
At international level: o International Coordinator: Damien Tschopp o Responsible of Finances: Yannik Schlupp o Responsible of Registrations: Steven Adams o EC of External affairs, responsible for Fundraising: Charlotte Soland
At national level: National Coordinator Belgium: Eric Van der Tas National Coordinator Switzerland: Cleophea Michelsen National Coordinator Italy: Veronica Soldati
Together with our board members, we are organising WOCO15 for you. We are
looking forward to seeing all our Member Countries represented at our 58th
World Congress and sharing unforgettable memories with you.
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Contact
Damien Tschopp
World Congress International Coordinator
E-mail: [email protected]
Steven Adams
Responsible for registration
E-mail: [email protected]