Why do you want to participate?

I am eager to participate in the conference because I am deeply committed to fostering peace, justice, and strong institutions, as reflected in my role as an ambassador for SDG 16 at my current academic institution. My academic background in Global Business & Sustainability, along with my research on social innovation and gender-related social issues, has strengthened my belief that safeguarding freedom is essential for sustainable development and global cooperation. This conference presents a unique opportunity to engage with like-minded peers, policymakers, and global leaders in drafting a document with tangible proposals to protect freedom. I am particularly interested in contributing insights on how social ventures and policy frameworks can enhance democratic values, human rights, and equal opportunities. This would also represent the first time I attend such an event, and I am eager to meet new people and students who share my similar values.

What does freedom mean to you?

My mother always tells me that her biggest fear is the loss of freedom. She reminds me of the people who live in places where there is no freedom of speech, where expressing an opinion can lead to persecution, and of those who are unjustly jailed simply for standing up for their rights. Her words have shaped my understanding of freedom, not just as a personal privilege but as a fundamental human right that must be protected and defended. To me, freedom means the ability to think, speak, and act without fear, but also the responsibility to ensure that others can do the same. True freedom is not just about individual liberties; it is about justice, equality, and the protection of human dignity. My academic and professional experiences have reinforced my belief that freedom must be actively safeguarded, especially for those who are most vulnerable.

What are the biggest challenges?

Young people today face a paradox when it comes to freedom—we live in an era of unprecedented connectivity and access to information, yet we also encounter increasing threats to our autonomy, expression, and opportunities. I see this right now in Italy, my home country, where students are beaten up for protesting, and their right to express themselves is being censored. I truly believe young people hold the most transformative power in changing the world, yet people nowadays are reluctant to listen to them. I see this through the climate crisis. The more young people talk about it, the less they are heard. The climate crisis is a major freedom issue for young generations. Extreme weather events, resource scarcity, and forced migration due to environmental disasters disproportionately impact youth, limiting their ability to plan for the future and restricting their freedom of choice, movement, and security. These challenges highlight why it is crucial for young people to reclaim their voices and demand meaningful change. Freedom is not just about speaking out, it is about being heard, respected, and empowered to shape the future. When young people are silenced, whether through censorship, violence, or systemic disregard, society loses its most innovative and forward-thinking voices.

Do you have a message?

My message is this: true freedom requires dismantling systemic barriers that prevent people from fully participating in society. This means fighting against gender inequality, ensuring that young voices are heard, and recognizing that climate justice is a freedom issue—because no one is free when their future is threatened by environmental destruction, forced migration, and economic instability. At a time when young people are often dismissed or silenced, we must demand a seat at the table and work together to reshape the systems that govern us. And I believe that this conference gives young people a voice.