International Federation for Home Economics
The International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE) is the only worldwide organisation concerned with home economics and consumer studies. It was founded in 1908 to serve as a platform for international exchange within the field of home economics.
IFHE is an international non-governmental organisation (INGO), having consultative status with the United Nations (ECOSOC, FAO, UNESCO, UNICEF) and with the Council of Europe. IFHE aims to:
- provide opportunities for global networking among professionals
- promote the recognition of home economics in the everyday lives of individuals and families
- promote continuing education in home economics
- provide opportunities through practice, research and professional sharing that lead to improving the quality of everyday life for individuals, families and households worldwide.
IFHE membership and leadership is structured around five global regions: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Pacific. Membership is comprised of individuals and organisations who are active in home economics-related practice, education and research, including representatives from professional associations, universities, schools, and businesses.
IFHE World Congress
IFHE holds a world congress every four years, a tradition beginning in Fribourg, Switzerland, in 1908. It is a truly global calling together of professionals, scholars and educators in home economics and allied fields. It is an opportunity to learn, to share and to celebrate.
IFHE world congresses have attracted up to 2000 delegates from up to 80 countries and we are anticipating a very large event in 2012. Having previously been held in Europe, North America, Africa and Asia, the 2012 event in Melbourne, Australia, marks the first world congress to be held in the Pacific region. The host organisation for this event is Home Economics Victoria.
Each IFHE world congress focuses on a devised theme, through which it collectively explores global questions, ideas, research, achievements and futures. The 2012 congress theme and program structure intertwine various aspects of global wellbeing: creativity and innovation; building capacities; and sustainable futures.
In 2008, at its centenary congress in Lucerne, Switzerland, IFHE released the position statement Home economics in the 21st century, an organic document that identifies contemporary dimensions of home economics and sets future directions.
