This is what freedom means to you and everyone around you
Treaty of Middelburg
I would like to believe that my voice can help create a world where freedom is not just a privilege for some but a lived reality. Even if it echoes on for one person I would consider it a success. After all, every revolution starts somewhere. With the amount of inspiration out there from other young people and human rights groups, I have realised that freedom should be one that is sustainable, inclusive, and legally protected. Freedom should not be an abstract ideal but something that actively enables people to live with dignity, security, and opportunity. And this cannot be achieved until every one of us realise that we have a voice and an ability to change things even if it is at a very local or small level.
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Kirtana K.
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Mihir Vipradas
Treaty of Middelburg
I wish I would be able to protect everyone’s freedom. While unrealistic, id love to have the chance to assert others right to freedom, as well as mine, by speaking up, going to conferences, writing about it, and any other way I can, like this conference.
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Rasha Al Hosain
Treaty of Middelburg
I strongly believe that a starting point in addressing freedom is working on systemic inequalities, acknowledging them rather than focusing on concepts like meritocracy. Equal access should not be seen as utopian but as a practical goal. I would advocate for a world where freedom is a two-way street: it should not only mean asserting the basic conditions of equality and human rights but also the responsibility to respect others' freedoms. I would work to foster a culture of mutual respect and empathy, where people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs can engage in open, respectful dialogue, leading to understanding and cooperation.
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Antonina De Stefano
Treaty of Middelburg
I know that I alone cannot change the world, but I firmly believe that individuals, including myself, can still make a meaningful impact. No matter the size of that impact, it contributes to a larger movement for positive change. I hope to use my education and professional experiences to address one of the most pressing threats to freedom today: the ongoing climate crisis. Environmental instability not only endangers ecosystems but also restricts people's freedom to live safe, healthy, and fulfilling lives—especially for marginalized communities already facing systemic inequalities. I want to contribute to solutions that promote sustainability, resilience, and equitable access to resources, ensuring that future generations are not forced to live under the constant shadow of climate-driven turmoil, as my generation has. Whether it's through scientific research, advocacy, or collaborative projects, I am committed to advancing climate justice and creating a world where freedom includes the right to a stable environment and a hopeful future.
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Maureen Smith
Treaty of Middelburg
If I could change something in the world regarding freedom, I would focus on ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has equal access to the freedom to express themselves, pursue their passions, and live without fear of discrimination or oppression. This would mean creating a world where people’s voices are heard and valued, and where freedom of speech and thought are protected and celebrated. I would also work toward a more equitable society, where economic and social barriers no longer restrict individuals from achieving their full potential. Ensuring that young people, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, have access to education, opportunities, and the tools they need to make independent choices is key. Ultimately, I would want to foster a global culture of respect and empathy, where freedom isn’t just about individual rights, but about creating a collective environment where people support one another’s freedoms, allowing us all to thrive together.
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Esmée Gevaerts
Treaty of Middelburg
I would like to change that the world becomes safer, I think this is very important. That people treat each other and the planet even better than is done now. The world is a scary place and it is not feasible to change this but I think that with the youth of today we can already change a lot. We all have to fight for our planet and the people on it, after all this is our home.
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Louise de Koster
Treaty of Middelburg
Today, many of us feel trapped by expectations, societal pressures, and fear of the unknown. I believe we need more open conversations about mental well-being, better support systems, and a culture that encourages us to embrace change rather than fear it. True freedom starts in the mind, and I would love to see a world where young people feel empowered to navigate their futures with confidence and peace.
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Ana Julia Pereira
Treaty of Middelburg
If I could bring about change, I would focus on creating a world where access to truthful information and education is a fundamental right for all. Strengthening media literacy programs, promoting critical thinking in education, and ensuring freedom of the press are crucial steps toward protecting democratic values and empowering individuals to make informed decisions. I would also advocate for greater inclusivity and protection of fundamental rights, ensuring that freedom is not a privilege for a few but a reality for all, regardless of socio-economic background, gender, or nationality.
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Nathan Barès
Treaty of Middelburg
If I could change something in the world regarding freedom, I would advocate for a universal recognition of the freedom to redefine oneself, a freedom that goes beyond social expectations, labels, and the constraints of predetermined paths. Drawing inspiration from the works of Friedrich Nietzsche, who championed the idea of the Übermensch (the "overman" who creates his own values), I believe true freedom lies in the ability to break away from societal scripts and continuously evolve our identities.
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Nilsu Maden
