Treaty of Middelburg
If I could change something on a realistic scale regarding freedom, it would be to create space for meaningful, respectful dialogue across differences within the communities I engage with—where people can express themselves without fear and still feel safe, both physically and mentally. I recognize that my attention, energy, time, and financial resources are limited, so I would start by narrowing the scope to what I can realistically handle. For now, that means beginning with myself and my immediate surroundings. Even if this approach makes me vulnerable to being hurt or misunderstood, I choose to engage with curiosity, care, and responsibility—because I exist, and how I show up in this world matters to me.
Team members
- ■ Olha Yevheyuk
Why do you want to participate?
Participating in the Freedom Conference is both exciting and meaningful to me because it brings together people who care enough—and who are also actively refining their thoughts and actions—about creating a more just, free, and equitable world. It’s fun because I get to connect with like-minded peers, engage in eye-opening discussions, and learn from inspiring speakers who are passionate about change. It’s an opportunity to grow personally, develop our ideas more clearly, and build the confidence to take real action in our communities. By participating, I hope to gain new perspectives, contribute meaningfully, and leave feeling more equipped and inspired to take action toward the change I believe in.
What does freedom mean to you?
Freedom means many things. It’s the ability to exist with autonomy—having the space to think, act, and contribute without fear. It’s trusting, even if imperfectly, that institutions will act safely and justly, and that when they don’t, there will be consequences—eventually, if not immediately. Freedom is walking with my head held high, not constantly fearing for my safety. It’s being able to make plans for the future and play a role—big or small—in shaping the surrounding and society I live in. Freedom of movement. It also means taking responsibility for my actions and reactions toward others and the world around me.
What are the biggest challenges?
One of the biggest freedom challenges young people face today is the fear of speaking up. Whether online, or in communities, there’s constant pressure to say the “right” thing, which makes honest dialogue difficult. Based on my current exposure, I’ve noticed many young people are afraid of being misunderstood, or socially punished for making mistakes. This fear limits growth, learning, and authentic self-expression. I also acknowledge that this is just one part of a broader picture—many other challenges contribute to the growing complexity of what freedom means for young people today. Navigating freedom of expression also comes with the responsibility to communicate thoughtfully—and as I actively engage in the lifelong process of learning and growing, understanding what responsible communication looks like can be challenging.
Do you have a message?
I don’t have any additional ideas at the moment, but I’m open to learning from others and contributing where I can.
