Treaty of Middelburg
When it comes to freedom, I would like to see a world where equality is the foundation of every society. One of the most pressing issues today is the persistent inequality faced by individuals based on their gender, race, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. This inequality restricts their freedom to pursue opportunities, access resources, and live fulfilling lives. I envision a world where equal opportunities are available to all young people, regardless of their background. This means access to quality education, healthcare, and safe environments to grow and develop. Everyone should have the freedom to follow their dreams and aspirations without being limited by societal barriers or systemic discrimination. Another crucial aspect is the freedom to express oneself. In many parts of the world, young people are marginalized, their voices ignored or silenced. I would like to see a future where every young person has the right to speak their mind, participate in decision-making, and contribute to shaping the society around them. No one should feel excluded or oppressed based on who they are or where they come from. To create such a world, we need to challenge systems that perpetuate inequality and actively work toward policies and initiatives that promote inclusive growth, equal rights, and the empowerment of all individuals. Freedom should not just be a privilege for some - it must be a universal right for all people, regardless of their identity or circumstances.
Team members
- ■ Val Borgo
Why do you want to participate?
Participating in the Youth Freedom Treaty is an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about what freedom means today and how we can ensure it for future generations. Freedom is a shared responsibility, and by coming together, we can create a future where everyone, regardless of background, has the right to live freely and safely. Here are some of the main reasons I would love to participate: 1. Personal Commitment to Freedom and Human Rights - I believe that freedom is a fundamental value that should be protected and promoted. Participating in this event would allow me to contribute to meaningful discussions on how to uphold and expand freedoms globally. 2. Passion for Youth Empowerment and Global Dialogue - I am passionate about youth leadership and believe in the power of young people to shape the future. This conference would provide me with a platform to connect with like-minded peers from around the world and develop solutions together. 3. Desire to Contribute to the Treaty of Middelburg - I would like to actively participate in shaping the Treaty of Middelburg, ensuring that the youth's voice is heard and represented in discussions about freedom, democracy, and human rights. 4. Interest in Cross-Cultural Exchange - Engaging with people from diverse backgrounds will broaden my perspective on freedom and human rights. I am eager to learn from different cultures, experiences, and challenges that youth face worldwide. 5. Leadership and Advocacy Experience - With my experience in leadership roles, activism, or community projects related to freedom, democracy, human rights, or civic engagement I would be able to to apply my skills and learn from others during the conference. 6. A Chance to Bring Change Back to my Community - I would like to take the insights and connections from the event and use them to inspire change in my community, whether through advocacy, education, or policy initiatives.
What does freedom mean to you?
Freedom is the ability to live with dignity, make choices without fear, and express oneself without oppression. It means having the right to think, speak, and act according to one’s beliefs while respecting the rights of others. True freedom goes beyond just the absence of restrictions - it includes opportunities, equality, and access to basic needs like education, justice, and security. However, freedom is not the same for everyone. Around the world, young people face barriers - whether it’s censorship, discrimination, or lack of opportunities - that prevent them from experiencing true freedom. That’s why freedom must be actively protected and continuously redefined by every generation.
What are the biggest challenges?
One of the biggest challenges young people face today is the restriction of free expression. In many parts of the world, youth are often silenced or suppressed by censorship, social media controls, and political restrictions. The ability to speak out, share opinions, and engage in open debate is essential for the growth of any society, but many young voices are stifled, limiting their freedom to advocate for change. Another challenge is access to education and information. In many regions, especially in conflict zones or under oppressive regimes, young people lack the opportunity to access quality education, which directly impacts their freedom to grow, think critically, and make informed decisions about their future. Furthermore, the digital divide - unequal access to technology and the internet - restricts young people's ability to connect, learn, and participate in global conversations about freedom and rights. Discrimination and inequality are also major barriers to freedom. Many young people face oppression based on gender, race, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status. These inequalities limit their ability to fully participate in society and enjoy the same freedoms as their peers. Lastly, mental health is an often overlooked but significant challenge. The pressures of social media, societal expectations, and economic uncertainty have contributed to rising mental health issues among youth, which can deeply affect their sense of agency, self-expression, and overall freedom to lead fulfilling lives.
Do you have a message?
The world is full of young people with the potential to change the future, but too often, we are held back by the systems that should support us. My message is simple: Freedom must be for everyone, and it starts with empowering youth to break the barriers that limit us. We need to create a world where every young person - regardless of gender, race, or background - has the same opportunity to succeed, express themselves, and make a meaningful impact. True freedom isn't just about the absence of oppression; it's about the active creation of opportunities, the recognition of diverse voices, and the protection of rights for all. By coming together, sharing ideas, and learning from each other, we can build a global community where freedom is not a privilege but a right for everyone.
