Treaty of Middelburg
I would like to see freedom become more accessible to everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. This means better access to education, fair information provision and encouraging critical thinking, so that people can make conscious and independent choices. In addition, it is important to give young people a voice in decisions that affect them.
Team members
- ■ Taco Hamelink
Why do you want to participate?
I want to participate in this conference because freedom is a fundamental right, but in practice it is not self-evident for many people and in different situations. Especially in a time when technology, politics and social developments influence freedom in different ways, I think it is valuable to discuss this with others. In addition, this conference offers an opportunity to exchange ideas.
What does freedom mean to you?
To me, freedom means the ability to be yourself, to make choices without oppression, and to express your opinion without fear. Freedom also goes hand in hand with responsibility: respect for others and giving others the space to be free too.
What are the biggest challenges?
A major challenge is the balance between freedom and security. Young people are confronted with online surveillance, disinformation and polarization, which can make it difficult to make free and well-informed choices. In addition, economic inequality and social pressure play a role, which means that not everyone has the same opportunities to develop freely.
Do you have a message?
Freedom is not self-evident and must be actively protected. This starts with awareness and dialogue, in which we not only look at our own freedom, but also that of others. By working together and remaining open to different perspectives, we can contribute to a world in which freedom truly applies to everyone.
