Treaty of Middelburg
I would like to see a world where freedom means not just being able to speak our minds, but also having the right to privacy and control over our personal data. In today’s world, privacy is hard to keep, and I think there should be stronger rules to protect people from being constantly watched and influenced online. Freedom of speech shouldn’t mean giving up control of our personal space. I also hope for more equality in freedom, where young people from all backgrounds have the same chances to share their ideas and be part of conversations. Finally, I would like to see more focus on freedom of thought, where young people can think for themselves, explore different opinions, and not fear being judged or punished for it.
Team members
- ■ Cayetana de la Puente
Why do you want to participate?
Having lived in Peru, Bolivia, and now residing in Amsterdam, I have witnessed how freedom is experienced differently across cultures and societies. As a sociology student, I want to bring both my multicultural perspective and sociological knowledge to the International Youth Freedom Conference, contributing to discussions on freedom of speech, religion, and equality while learning from others.
What does freedom mean to you?
Freedom, to me, is both a privilege and a responsibility, and this view has been shaped by my life experiences. In Bolivia and Peru, I saw how social and economic inequalities can limit people’s freedoms, from access to education to the ability to express dissent. Now, living in the Netherlands, I experience a different kind of freedom. One that values individual rights but also challenges me to reflect on privilege and inclusivity. True freedom, in my view, is not just about having rights, but about ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has the means to exercise them.
What are the biggest challenges?
I think one of the biggest challenges for young people today is the balance between digital freedom and privacy. On one hand, we have more freedom than ever to connect with others all around the world, access information, and share our thoughts on social media and online platforms. But this also comes with a big downside, which is the loss of privacy. Our personal data is being collected and used without us fully knowing or agreeing to it, often by big companies and governments. While social media lets us express ourselves, it also puts us under constant watch, where our actions, posts, and even what we search for online are monitored and analyzed. This digital footprint can be used to influence our decisions, opinions, and behaviors, which takes away control over our own identity. In many ways, the freedom to share online is tied to the struggle of keeping our privacy, which is harder than ever in a world where nothing feels truly private anymore. Young people today are finding it tough to stay connected while keeping their personal freedom intact.
Do you have a message?
Yes, my message is: Freedom isn't just about what we can do, It's about what we can choose not to do. In a world where we're constantly pressured to act, think, and behave in certain ways, true freedom is the ability to make choices that are authentic to ourselves, without fear of judgment or control. It’s about having the space to say no when something doesn’t align with who we are.
