This event attracts home economists, academics, researchers, teachers and students from around the world, and was previously held in Ghana, South Africa, Finland and Japan. The IFHE Council was last held in Ireland in 1978, hosted again by St Angela’s College, Sligo.

The theme for the event is Vision 2020: Home Economics, Changing Perspectives in a Changing Environment. Amanda McCloat, Head of Home Economics at St Angela’s College, Sligo and Co-Chair of the IFHE Council 2010 Organising Committee, explains the importance of bringing this event to Ireland: ‘The keynote speakers are exploring issues such as food security, the high cost of cheap food, sustainable fashion and the changing family. This event is an opportunity for international dialogue on Home Economics Education, sustainability, globalisation and interculturalism.’

During the meeting of the Council, delegates will be discussing the role of Home Economics in addressing the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. Professor Martin Caraher, an expert in food policy, Dr Kate Fletcher a key researcher in fashion sustainability will shed light on creating a society of food and fashion literate consumers. The final keynote speaker, Dr Dympna Devine, discusses the changing nature of families and the increasing importance of disciplines such as Home Economics to ensure families are able to continue to make responsible consumer choices in difficult economic times.

Prof Caraher’s address focuses on the social, ecological and economic costs of the current system of food production. He argues there is no such thing as ‘cheap food.’ The importance of education in areas such as home economics, is emphasised to create a ‘food literate consumer.’

The keynote address from Dr Fletcher focused on fashion and sustainability. She argued that the careful design of fashion can reduce the overall impact of clothing on the environment.

The Good 4U Smart Chef and Sew Cool competitions were also launched to coincide with the event. ‘The winners of the Good 4U Smart Chef competition were announced on Monday, while the Sew Cool winners and shortlisted entrants are on display in the College Gallery,’ explains Ursula O’Shea, co-chair of the IFHE Council 2010 Organising Committee, ‘This is an opportunity to engage young people in understanding and developing skills in Home Economics towards becoming the food and fashion literate consumers.’ An Tánaiste, Mary Coughlan TD, as the Minister for Education and Skills is in a good position to address the delegates on the ongoing theme of the role of Home Economics education to improve the quality of life in society.

For more information on the event, please visit www.ifhe2010.com or please contact the IFHE Council 2010 Organising Committee Office at St Angela’s College, Sligo at 071 91 35658.