Treaty of Middelburg
Relating to freedom, I would like to see more of a sense of responsibility taken on by everyone. Not just national leaders, but also corporate entities, social groups, and individuals. It's easy to think that when someone else is suffering, but you are enjoying a comfortable freedom, that you have no responsibility because you may not have directly contributed to their predicament. That is a dangerous mindset to maintain and has led to several catastrophes in the past thus we must work to create global citizens who have a sense of social responsibility. My father often teaches us that "our freedom ends where another person's freedom begins". What he meant was that we should be willing to make sacrifices to give space for others to enjoy the same liberties as us and grow. I believe this is also applicable on a global scale; all things may be allowed, but not all things are beneficial to a common good goal.
Team members
- ■ Stella Rurema
Why do you want to participate?
As a proponent of including as many groups as possible in social conversations, I appreciate the opportunity for younger voices to be considered on a topic as important as freedom. My having grown up in both the Netherlands and Kenya, coupled with my faith, has given me a unique view on freedom that I am excited to share. On a personal level, I look forward to hearing the ideas of peers to widen my horizon and understanding.
What does freedom mean to you?
To me, freedom means not just the absence of oppression, but the ability to meaningfully engage in what brings one joy. That reads as aloof, even to me, but for example in a post-war period, I don't see enemy retreat as the "beginning of freedom". Rather, in rebuilding after war, regaining fiscal stability, and being able to provide for the basic needs of people again, in that time when citizens have the ability to safely gather socially again, or make art, or enjoy a park without fear, that is where freedom begins.
What are the biggest challenges?
This is a bit of an ambiguous question but I'll format this as I interpreted it. - Distrust of government: when leaders make decisions that seem to support the economic interest of a country but forsake the "moral" choice, younger people tend to not believe that governments are capable of protecting or furthering the cause of freedom. It's important that genuine considerations are made for the voices of youth in regards to ongoing conflicts. - Media illiteracy: younger people have an unprecedented, overwhelming, and frankly unhealthy access to media coverage of almost every conflict in the world. Many have unknowingly built online echo chambers making the conversation on freedom difficult. Additionally, minimal practical advice is given to youth to empower them to make change. - Lack of international integration: the globalisation of our economies means that nations will continue to rely on each other for commodities and other supports into the future. Unfortunately, many school curricula are not intentional about placing respective home nations in a global context which is important for creating global citizens that care about communal freedom.
Do you have a message?
Planning for the future without including those who belong to the future is senseless. It encouraging to see initiatives such as these to encourage the voice of youth to shine. p.s. (not related to freedom) I had a random thought the other day that I think the Social Contract is nearing voidance. I say that because when people enter a contract, both parties have to understand the terms of the agreement. We're at a stage with technology where we have the most access to informations but ironically, not the strongest understanding of our governments or economic systems. I feel like the Social contract imposes a positive freedom to receive an education that the State has a role in providing and regulating but since the innovation of education is not matching that of other facets of society, the divide between politician and constituent will continue to grow.
