Treaty of Middelburg

I aspire to live in a world where freedom is not just enshrined in law and formally protected but also actively upheld and enforced. Marginalized communities should not only be protected but celebrated for their diversity through genuine integration efforts. Furthermore, freedom should never be misused for political gain; it must remain a non-negotiable principle that is neither questioned nor undermined for second purposes.

Team members

  • ■ Maurizio Mancuso
I support this

Why do you want to participate?

I believe it is important to take part in this conference because peace should never be taken for granted; it must be cultivated and protected. Although significant efforts have been made to build peace since World War II, such as the Geneva Conventions, democratic values are constantly being challenged. Their violation often leads to conflicts that undermine people's safety. By participating, I want to reaffirm my belief that peace must always be safeguarded and to learn from others’ perspectives on the topic.

What does freedom mean to you?

Freedom means waking up in the morning with the awareness of living in a system that protects and values diversity, both in terms of representation and personal beliefs. Moreover, true freedom requires an awareness of one's own condition in the world. Systems that manipulate their citizens and discourage critical thinking, especially when it comes to questioning state policies, cannot be considered truly democratic or free.

What are the biggest challenges?

One of the biggest challenges young people face in this regard is recognizing the freedoms and rights to which they are entitled. Society plays a major role in shaping individuals' perceptions of their rights, but in our hyper-connected world, the right to disconnect should be given greater importance. Being able to step away from work responsibilities not only enhances productivity during working hours but also grants the freedom to explore personal passions and grow as an individual.

Do you have a message?

Freedom should never be taken for granted or treated as an abstract concept. It requires constant effort, accountability, and the courage to challenge systems that oppress or exclude others. True freedom is not just about individual rights, it comes with a collective responsibility to ensure that everyone, not just the privileged, can live with dignity and security.