Interview with the "Born to Be Wild" Judge | You Huimin: Sustainable Development and Cross-Sector Integration

UNITAR CIFAL HUBEI | You Huimin: “Born to Be Wildallows children to return to being children of nature.”

"Born to Be Wild" is a public initiativelaunched by UNITAR CIFAL HUBEI in response to the 2024 International Day forBiological Diversity,aiming to implement the United Nations' 17 SustainableDevelopment Goals and ensuring everyone’s opportunity to contribute to ecologicalconservation.

In the third installment of our judge interviews, wewere honored to speak with You Huimin, General Manager of Fila Kids. In thisinterview, we explored her innovative ideas in the children's apparel industry,her experiences in cross-sector collaborations with international NGOs, and herpassion for environmental protection and social responsibility.

Advocacyfor Environmental Protection

During theinterview, she mentioned that the key to successful cross-sector collaborationwith international organizations and NGOs lies in aligned values. From acorporate perspective, her company advocates for an environmentally friendlycorporate culture, integrating low-carbon practices into employees' daily livesand setting a specific plan with the ultimate goal of achieving carbonneutrality by 2050.

On a personal level, she is passionate about publicwelfare and has participated in charitable activities in places like Yunnan andGuiyang with her child. She believes that such activities have a positiveimpact on children and families,which help people learn to cherish what theyhave.

“For example, when we go shopping, my daughter says, ‘Thisis so wasteful.’ No one taught her that, but through participating in somecharity activities, she naturally developed a mindset of coexisting with theenvironment,” she shared.

You believes that the current reach of public welfarecross-sector initiatives is too limited and that public awareness is toosuperficial. In the future, a series of measures should be taken to integratepublic welfare concepts into all aspects of life, including brand messaging,increasing public awareness, and permeating daily life.

“We need to make more people aware and help themdevelop habits. I don't think it's just a buzzword, it should be embedded ineveryone's lifestyle, habits, and daily mindset.”

Biodiversity

You emphasized that biodiversity is primarily aboutecology, which is synonymous with the future. It determines whether we willleave behind a beautiful world for the next generation.

When asked about the profound significance of promotingbiodiversity education among children, she stated that the education focuses onthe transformation of people's perceptions, shifting from short-term tolong-term thinking and helping individuals step away from a utilitarian mindsetto reconsider their life and the world.

Additionally, she expressed strong support for the coreconcept of the "Born to Be Wild" initiative: “When you walk throughmountains, grasslands, and nature, you realize the vastness of the world andhow small your own steps are," she said. "'Born to Be Wild' soundsincredibly romantic and is something truly worth aspiring to.”

Expectations for the Works

She is eager to see children create their art withgenuine emotion. “Art, when combined with children, becomes more direct andpure, and their way of expression can be wildly imaginative, allowing us toexplore their inner worlds.”

“We respect artistic diversity, as though we respect biodiversity, regardless of the form of expression. Without setting any barriers, our standard is simply to see the child's heart felt experience.That's all.”