Treaty of Middelburg
I hope to make clear that freedom cannot be taken for granted. I believe that human communication which appeals to mutual respect and empathy can go a long way in combating current social polarisation. By doing so, I hope to protect and restore democratic institutions to secure and institutional environment which actually fosters freedom. Given these foundations, I would like to promote integration of minority rights and close welfare gaps both across and between people of various generations. I would also like to better protect people from religious indoctrination and oppression.
Team members
- ■ Rune Oomen
Why do you want to participate?
I have three reasons for wanting to participate: 1. As a member of the lgbt+ community, I know firsthand that freedom cannot be taken for granted. Freedom of identity is still restricted or outright illegal in many countries and even in the Netherlands attacks on minorities are all too common. The only way to address this is to speak out and stand up. 2. I am deeply concerned about the rise of authoritarianism around the world, since democratic backsliding is eroding the foundation of freedom. 3. Less idealistically, I would like to meet like-minded individuals and engage in interesting discussions. I hope to further educate myself on the topic and gain a new network in the meantime.
What does freedom mean to you?
To me, freedom means being able to act and express oneself freely and openly within the limits of liberal democracy. I find that many people nowadays do not fully appreciate the concept of freedom or downright misinterpret it. But one's 'freedom to' should never impose on another's 'freedom from'.
What are the biggest challenges?
I think the freedom for young people faces three key challenges: 1. Increasing socio-economic inequality. Due to the growing wage gap between both citizens and countries, some people can grow up more freely than others. After all, with a higher income comes higher education, better job opportunities and improved living conditions. 2. Most young people within Western Europe and the USA live under the illusion that freedom ever-lasting. They have neither known the horrors of armed conflict, nor the anxiety of belonging to an unwanted minority. Hence, their understanding of freedom is abstract, making willful ignorance a tempting prospect. 3. Rising authoritarianism and democratic backsliding. Democratic institutions around the world are under pressure, which erode young people's ability to express their opinions and impact policies. Furthermore, minorities are often used as scapegoats to erode basic freedoms with the tacid consent of an uncaring majority.
Do you have a message?
I hope that the conference reflects a vast diversity of interests and cultures to optimally discuss freedom and its intricacies.
