Treaty of Middelburg
I would love to see a world where freedom isn’t limited by circumstances like where you’re born, your financial situation, or political restrictions. Everyone should have the opportunity to study, work, and build a future wherever they choose, without visa and citizenship barriers making it nearly impossible. I also think financial freedom is becoming harder to achieve—affordable housing, fair wages, and job opportunities should be more accessible so that young people can truly have control over their lives. Lastly, freedom of speech and access to information are more important than ever, and I’d want to see a world where no one is silenced or restricted from expressing themselves.
Team members
- ■ Catalina-Livia Vanu
Why do you want to participate?
Freedom is something I deeply value, and I believe it’s essential to protect and uphold it for everyone. Having the opportunity to join a diverse group of young people to discuss its importance, exchange ideas, and work on real solutions feels incredibly meaningful. I also want to meet people from different backgrounds, hear their perspectives, and understand how freedom is experienced around the world. It’s not just about contributing—it’s also a learning opportunity for me, as I believe that engaging in these discussions will broaden my understanding and help me grow both personally and intellectually. I want to be part of shaping a future where freedom is not just an ideal but a reality for all, and this conference is a great way to be involved in that change.
What does freedom mean to you?
To me, freedom means having the ability to pursue my dreams and create my own path in life. Every opportunity I’ve had—the chance to study in different cultures, meet people from all over the world, and shape my future—has been possible because of freedom. Moving to the Netherlands alone at 18 was a defining moment for me; it was my freedom to make that choice that allowed me to grow, adapt, and experience life in a completely new way. Without freedom, I wouldn’t have been able to explore different perspectives, challenge myself, or chase the opportunities that have shaped me into who I am today. That’s why I value it so deeply—because it gives us not just the ability to dream, but the power to turn those dreams into reality.
What are the biggest challenges?
I think one of the biggest challenges for young people today is the struggle for financial independence. Finding a stable job has become more difficult, housing is increasingly unaffordable in many cities, and the cost of living keeps rising. On top of that, issues like visa restrictions and citizenship barriers make it harder for many to study, work, or build a future in another country. There’s also the challenge of online freedom—access to information is easier than ever, but censorship, misinformation, and data privacy concerns can limit true freedom. All of these factors make it more difficult for young people to fully take control of their lives and opportunities.
Do you have a message?
Freedom is what gives us the chance to shape our own lives, but for many people, it still comes with barriers—whether it’s financial struggles, visa restrictions, or limited opportunities. I believe that everyone should have the freedom to study, work, and build a future without these limitations holding them back. That’s why I’m so excited to be part of this conference, to talk about these challenges with other young people, hear different perspectives, and find real solutions together. I truly believe that by working towards a world with fewer barriers, we can create more opportunities for everyone to live freely and follow their dreams.
