At the invitation of the International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE) and the South African Association of Family Ecology and Consumer Sciences (SAAFECS), a delegation from Zhejiang Shuren University, led by Professor Ye Shiping, Vice President of the university, traveled to Hartbeespoort, South Africa, from March 7 to 14, 2026, to attend the 17th SAAFECS/IFHE International Conference. The delegation consisted of Professor Zhu Hongying, Dean of the Modern Service Research Institute; Associate Professor Wu Ronglan, Deputy Director of the Office of International Affairs; and Dr. Jia Chao, Lecturer at the Modern Service Research Institute.

Themed “Science as Collaboration”, the conference emphasized interdisciplinary and cross-regional cooperation. Through collaborative research in areas such as consumer science, education, health, environment, and policy, participants sought to address global challenges, including sustainable living, family well-being, and food security. The conference attracted more than 150 scholars from Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas, establishing itself as one of the most influential academic events in home economics in recent years.

During the conference, the delegation actively engaged in keynote sessions, panel presentations, meetings of international academic organizations, and university exchange activities. Through multi-level academic cooperation and people-to-people exchanges, the delegation showcased China’s innovative practices in home economics, family studies, and responses to population aging, receiving wide acclaim from the international academic community.

This visit to South Africa served not only as a significant international academic exchange but also as an important platform to present China’s research achievements and practical experiences in home economics. By participating in the international conference, the delegation of our university achieved positive outcomes across multiple fronts, further broadening their international academic perspectives, enhancing the university’s visibility in the global home economics community, and expanding its international cooperation network. More importantly, the conference provided a valuable platform for disseminating Chinese scholarship in home economics to the global academic community.

Looking ahead, Zhejiang Shuren University will continue to take an active part in international home economics organizations, strengthen collaboration and exchanges with universities and research institutions worldwide, and promote the international development of the discipline of home economics. At the same time, it will share more of China’s practical experience with the international academic community, contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to global family well-being and sustainable social development.