Why do you want to participate?

I was introduced to the Youth Freedom Conference by a friend, and after learning more about it, I felt deeply connected to its mission. The event’s focus on freedom aligns with my personal journey and aspirations. I see this as a valuable opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals, broaden my perspectives and exchange ideas with people from diverse backgrounds. I believe that true freedom comes from continuous learning, self-discovery and meaningful connections. By participating, I hope to not only gain new insights but also contribute my own experiences and reflections on what it means to be truly free.

What does freedom mean to you?

Growing up in Vietnam, I always dreamed of studying abroad. Back then, my idea of freedom was simple: leaving home and having the ability to do whatever I wanted. Later, as I stepped into the real world, I believed financial independence was the key to freedom like having the means to experience life without limitations. I thought that the more material wealth I accumulated, the freer I would become. However, over time, I realized that true freedom does not come from external achievements but from within. Without inner freedom, no amount of money or success can bring true peace. If I wake up every day doing a job I dislike just to earn more, while my soul remains restless, can I truly call that freedom? To me, freedom is the ability to exist without being bound by societal expectations, limiting beliefs or external definitions of success. It is the state of being at peace, feeling whole and fulfilled in the present moment, not when I achieve a certain goal or reach a milestone. If I don’t cultivate freedom within myself, I will always be trapped in an invisible prison, moving from one cage to another, no matter how much I accomplish. In today’s fast-paced society, people are constantly chasing external validation, drowning in responsibilities, and rarely taking the time to sit with themselves. Many believe they are trapped by work, obligations or others’ expectations, but in reality, they are prisoners of their own minds. They feel suffocated by their circumstances but are too afraid to leave their comfort zones because the unknown is terrifying. As long as we live in fear and suffering, we will never attain true freedom no matter how far we run. In the end, we are not escaping our circumstances, we are merely running away from ourselves.

What are the biggest challenges?

One of the biggest challenges young people face regarding freedom today is the illusion of freedom itself. Society equates freedom with external achievements: financial success, career stability, social recognition and so on, yet many who attain these still feel unfulfilled. Instead of questioning what true freedom means to them, young people often follow predefined paths, only to realize they are trapped in expectations and self-doubt. Another challenge is the fear of the unknown. Many want change but hesitate to step outside their comfort zones. They stay in unfulfilling jobs, relationships or societal roles, mistaking familiarity for security. In reality, this fear keeps them from experiencing true freedom, which requires embracing uncertainty and personal growth. Additionally, social media amplifies the pressure to conform, making it harder to define freedom on one’s own terms. Constant exposure to curated images of success leads to comparison and self-doubt, pushing many to chase external validation rather than inner fulfillment. From my own journey, I’ve learned that freedom isn’t about escaping circumstances but about liberating oneself from within. No amount of success can bring true peace if we are still bound by fear and limiting beliefs. Ultimately, the greatest challenge is realizing that freedom is not something to attain, it’s a state of being, found in self-acceptance and the courage to live authentically.

Do you have a message?

Freedom is not something to chase but something to realize within. True freedom comes when we break free from fear and societal conditioning, allowing ourselves to live authentically in the present moment.