Letter from IFHE President Dr Geraldene Hodelin

Welcome to the website for IFHE World Congress 2012. Whether you have come to the site as a passionate home economics professional or as an interested observer, we invite you to participate in the global conversation that is IFHE World Congress. As we said in our first announcement brochure: ‘It’s time to speak up for home economics’.

As indicated by our theme for 2012 – Global creativity and innovation: Developing capacities for sustainable futures – we as home economists recognise that our profession is a key component of global wellbeing – for individuals, families and communities. We also seek creative and innovative ways to communicate this message widely and effectively.

As the only worldwide organisation concerned with home economics and consumer studies, it is imperative that IFHE seizes every opportunity to speak in full voice. World Congress gives us that opportunity. Since 1908, professionals, scholars and educators in home economics and allied fields have come together every four years to learn, share and inspire. Our consultative status with the United Nations and the Council of Europe gives us so much potential to extend congress outcomes and to see our resolutions put into action.

We are pleased and excited to be staging IFHE World Congress in the Pacific region for the first time in 2012. Melbourne, Australia, has built a reputation for the hosting of global conferences, including the 63rd United Nations DPI/NGO conference in 2010 – only the third time it has been held outside of New York. Our host organisation, Home Economics Victoria, is preparing for a wonderful event.

We look forward to building a conversation around home economics in the lead-up to IFHE World Congress 2012, and to meeting you in Melbourne.