Conference Travel International

We look forward to seeing you next March in Kiev ! We would like to share with you some recommendations made by our Host committee and

Our official Agent Conference Travel. In this Web site, you can find all the information that will lead to yet another interesting and extraordinary WJA worldwide Congress.

To make the most of your stay, why not arrive a day or two ahead of schedule and/or extend it to enjoy the beautiful Country of Ukraine during this wonderful time of year. Bring along family and friends and experience all that Kiev and its surroundings has to offer.

We are working hard to prepare the best possible technical and social program for our 23rd Congress in Kiev . In order to do so, we ask that you register as soon as possible.

Kiev

Kiev, the capital and largest city of Ukraine is an important industrial, scientific, and cultural centre of Eastern Europe today. It is located in the northern central part of the country and has an estimated 2.7 million inhabitants. Located of both sides of the Dnieper River, the city has an extensive infrastructure including a highly developed system of public transportation. According to the census data, more than 130 nationalities and ethnic groups reside within Kiev. Ukrainians constitute the largest group and Ukrainian is considered the native language. Ironically, Russian is more commonly spoken by natives. Kiev has a continental humid climate, with warmest months of June through August.

Although Kiev is a prominent centre today, it has a turbulent history filled with times of progress and obscurity. The city was founded in the 5th century and legend has it by three brothers and one sister. The eldest, Kyi, named the city after himself. By the 12th century, it had grown to become a great trading post and a political and cultural centre of the East Slavic civilization. After the Mongol invasion of 1240, however, the city was completely destroyed and marginalized for centuries after. It was not until the Russian industrial revolution in the late 19th century that it began to prosper again. From the Russian Revolution of 1921 onwards it grew as an important city of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic and in 1934, became its capital. It remained prosperous until WWII, when it once again suffered significant damages, but this time recovered quickly and remained influential. When Ukraine regained its independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kiev remained its capital.

In the 20th century, Kiev grew to both sides of the Dnieper River, which flows south through the city and forms a branching system of tributaries and harbors. Because of this, its landscape distinguishes it from the surrounding region. In the older right-bank (western side), for example, you can find numerous woody hills and ravines. The Lower Town, a historic merchant's quarters, sits below the rest of the city on the river plain. In the district of Pechersk, parks and woods cover the banks slopes. This is an ecclesiastical centre, and the site of The Caves Monastery, recognized as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After a growth spurt in the 1970's, the city continues to prosper into the new millennium. Although one can see plenty depicting modern society in Kiev, it has also maintained a part of its tradition and history. Kiev's downtown, for example, is a contrast of new and modern buildings mixed in with colorful older apartments. Similarly, western-style residential complexes, nightclubs, and hip restaurants and hotels have opened up in the centre to accommodate an increase in tourism. Here, you can also find historic areas that have been restored and maintained to preserve traditional Ukrainian art and religious items. For example, the Independence Square is the city's Upper Town and the most popular meeting place. It is filled with vendors selling food and souvenirs and at night people gather to watch live bands. Although this area is largely commercial, you can also find the Saint Sophia Cathedral, also recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Named after the Hagia Sofia Cathedral in Istanbul it is Kiev's oldest standing church. Its interior is the most astounding feature, covered with mosaics and frescos dating back to the 11th century.