Treaty of Middelburg
I want to see a world where freedom is not just a privilege for a few, but a reality for everyone. I believe that education plays a huge role in this. If more young people understand their rights—whether it’s digital privacy, political participation, or economic opportunities—they can demand change and fight for a freer future. I’d also like to see more awareness about how freedom is interconnected—economic freedom, gender equality, and political rights all influence each other. By working on one, we strengthen them all.
Team members
- ■ Ghirmawit Diglel Tesfay
Why do you want to participate?
I want to be part of the International Youth Freedom Conference because freedom is one of the most important, yet most complex, aspects of our lives. As a young person studying in the Netherlands, I see how different cultures interpret freedom, and I want to explore this deeper on an international level. This conference is a chance to learn, share ideas, and connect with others who are passionate about making freedommore accessible and meaningful. I believe that by exchanging perspectives, we can find better ways to tackle the challenges young people face today.
What does freedom mean to you?
To me, freedom is the ability to live without fear, speak without restriction, and dream without limitations. It’s about being able to express myself, make my own choices, and have control over my future. But true freedom also means equality—that no one is held back because of their gender, race, background, or beliefs. It’s not just about having rights on paper; it’s about making sure those rights exist in reality for everyone.
What are the biggest challenges?
One of the biggest challenges is digital freedom—while the internet gives us access to unlimited information, it also brings issues like surveillance, misinformation, and censorship. Many young people don’t even realize how much their data is being used against them. Another major issue is economic freedom—many young people struggle with financial independence, rising living costs, and lack of job security, which limits their ability to make real choices. Finally, there’s freedom of expression—in some countries, young people face social and political pressure when they speak out, and even in open societies, cancel culture and polarization make it harder to have real discussions.
Do you have a message?
Yes! Freedom isn’t just about laws and policies—it’s about real opportunities. A right that you can’t use isn’t really a right. We, as young people, need to make sure that freedom isn’t just a conversation but a movement. Whether through activism, education, or technology, we have the power to shape a future where freedom is not just an ideal, but a daily reality.
