This is what freedom means to you and everyone around you
Treaty of Middelburg
When it comes to freedom, although it is considered a basic human right, the true access to it is limited by one's identity. In an ideal world, one's place of birth, residence, gender, class, and race should not decide their chances of being autonomous. But today, under the conditions that limit freedom to a privilege rather than a birthright, I would foster solidarity. We need solidarity all around us for those who do not get the chance to be born, reside, or have an identity that allows them to freely express themselves. We are collectively obligated to stand with those who are oppressed, to help them, and to recognize our privilege every day. I could not change people's hearts, but I think I can change the taken-for-granted way in which we look at freedom. By challenging this, I believe the world would empathize with each other and understand the need for change. In this way, individuals would understand that freedom is a constant fight and that no one can truly be free until everyone is free. If I had a gigantic megaphone, I would scream this so loud that the whole world would hear me, so the fight for solidarity would never end.
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Cosmina Beloiu
Treaty of Middelburg
The transformation I seek lies in recalibrating global cultural diplomacy frameworks to recognize grassroots initiatives as equal partners to institutional actors. My investigation into Association Mugua's challenges revealed systemic barriers where bureaucratic structures inadvertently suppress organic cultural exchange. As Assistant to the Bolivian Ambassador, I witnessed firsthand how diplomatic protocols could both facilitate and formalize intercultural dialogue. This dual perspective informs my proposed solution: developing hybrid models that institutionally validate community-led cultural initiatives while preserving their autonomous character.
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Xinyu Lin
Treaty of Middelburg
One key area I want to change is how digital platforms shape freedom of thought and decision-making. Today, many young people’s online experiences are shaped by algorithms that curate content, often reinforcing biases, spreading misinformation, and limiting exposure to diverse perspectives. I believe it is crucial to increase transparency and accountability in how digital spaces are designed so that young people can navigate the online world with greater autonomy and awareness.
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Ruoxi Yuan
Treaty of Middelburg
Relating to freedom, I would like to see more of a sense of responsibility taken on by everyone. Not just national leaders, but also corporate entities, social groups, and individuals. It's easy to think that when someone else is suffering, but you are enjoying a comfortable freedom, that you have no responsibility because you may not have directly contributed to their predicament. That is a dangerous mindset to maintain and has led to several catastrophes in the past thus we must work to create global citizens who have a sense of social responsibility. My father often teaches us that "our freedom ends where another person's freedom begins". What he meant was that we should be willing to make sacrifices to give space for others to enjoy the same liberties as us and grow. I believe this is also applicable on a global scale; all things may be allowed, but not all things are beneficial to a common good goal.
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Stella Rurema
Treaty of Middelburg
When it comes to freedom, I would like to push for practical improvements in online expression and algorithmic fairness. Based on my personal experience of facing content censorship and keyword restrictions as a blogger, I advocate implementing clearer, standardized guidelines for content moderation across social media platforms, reducing arbitrary blocking and ensuring transparent appeals processes for users whose content is unfairly limited. Additionally, recognizing the bias inherent in large AI models and recommendation algorithms, I propose creating independent oversight committees involving diverse user representatives to regularly audit algorithms, identify biases, and suggest concrete improvements. On a practical level, I'd actively support workshops and training programs designed for young users to enhance digital literacy, teaching them specific strategies to identify and counter biased information online. These tangible steps could significantly enhance freedom of expression, enabling young individuals worldwide to engage more authentically and confidently in digital spaces.
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Yiming Yin
Treaty of Middelburg
I would like personal leadership to become part of the curriculum at schools so that youth learns to prioritise their norms and values. This will create a society that thinks before they speak, that loves each other because they love themselves, that respects each other because they respect themselves.
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Suraya Kosters
Treaty of Middelburg
If I could change something in the world when it comes to freedom, it would be making sure that young people have a real say in decisions that shape their future. Too often, governments and institutions make policies without including the voices of those who will be most affected by them. I believe that young people should have more opportunities to participate in decision-making, whether in politics, climate action, or social justice. I would also want freedom not just to be a privilege for some but a right for everyone. This means breaking down barriers like economic inequality, discrimination, and digital manipulation that limit true freedom. Everyone should have access to education, reliable information, and the resources they need to make their own choices without fear, suppression, or restrictions. Finally, I’d like to see more often the connection between freedom and sustainability. A healthy planet is essential for long-term freedom, but right now, environmental destruction is limiting opportunities for future generations. Freedom should go hand in hand with the responsibility for each other, and for the world we live in.
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Jimena Niembro Martínez
Treaty of Middelburg
This is also a very basic answer, but I would love to see everyone free. As a volunteer of numerous NGOs, I am often on the giving side of help. Those on the receiving side are not always free. They must rely on the kindness of others to get by on a daily basis. This is not freedom. My fundamental belief has always been revolving around sports. In sports, everyone is the same, everyone is free. The rules are the same for all, and so are the conditions. In the future, I hope to alleviate global humanitarian crises using entrepreneurship and innovation through sports. If people can connect around the means of sport, they can be free for some moments. If people can taste freedom, they will desire it more, and most importantly, fight for it because they know they deserve it.
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Emma Westenberg
Treaty of Middelburg
I would like to see freedom understood more as a collective effort, not just an individual right. Freedom should never be a privilege – it should be a right we actively protect, especially in policy and decision-making. That’s why I advocate for inclusive policies that ensure young people have an equal voice, no matter their background. Representation, dialogue, and empathy are key to creating a freer, more just world.
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Amy De Letter
