This is what freedom means to you and everyone around you
Treaty of Middelburg
If I could change something in the world regarding freedom, I would choose increasing access to education. Education can open so many doors for bright minds, unfortunately, not everyone is able to access this. As a result, blocking the freedom of sharing creative ideas and exploration.
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Alita Tithphit
Treaty of Middelburg
I would reduce the power of social media in shaping self-worth and mental health. Social platforms create a culture of judgment and pressure, where likes and comments define value, and unrealistic standards fuel anxiety and insecurity. True freedom means being able to express yourself without fear of comparison or online criticism.
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Mare Gijsbers
A corner to call your own
Clean water should be free. I think the first step to freedom lies in how well your basic necessities are met. Glossing over ‘Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs’ the very first step is meeting material necessities. Now the Netherlands has a very intricate and intelligent water system, making tap water safe to consume for little cost. This has a series of benefits which includes healthier eating, better financial management and the ability to focus on things beyond having to worry about proper hydration. This promotes individuals to be more ‘free’ in the sense of pursuing self-realisation. Yet there are countries around the world who require vastly higher amounts of expenses or physical effort to be able to afford or get access to regular clean water. One particularly interesting case pertaining to this issue of water is a town called Chamulas located in Mexico, that produces Coca Cola. This town is an exemplification that economic dependencies, ignorance of cause and mass hysteria can prevent the road to self actualisation. Their water is more expensive than coke, which has consequently led to a pandemic of diabetes in that town. To be inflicted with a disease due to your lack of material possession to procure a necessity that is quenching your thirst; and in the midst of that getting addicted to sugar laden soft drinks that has stemmed the progression of your deteriorating health is a violation of freedom. These people are living in ignorance who do not comprehend the health issues associated with drinking coke. Their culture has devolved into a parade of cola celebration, as the factory has become an essential part of their economic survival Ultimately, I am a strong believer that to reach a certain level of freedom, necessities such as water should be easily accessible.
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Taiga Tanaka
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Raul Boekhoudt
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Andrew Crabtree
Treaty of Middelburg
I would change how people perceive freedom. Nowadays, there are many instances where people for instance justify their hate speech using the freedom of expression. Or Covid pandemic showed us the misperception of freedom of many people. I would like to change this perception of my individual freedom to more of the solidarity and collective freedom. I would educate people how their free actions impact others.
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Karolína Cepková
Treaty of Middelburg
If I could change something about freedom in the world, I would try to help people understand how vast and diverse the world truly is. There are so many possibilities and paths to choose from, and it’s important to realize that your choices don’t have to be limited by societal expectations or norms. For example, just because you study a certain subject doesn’t mean you’re locked into a specific career, and just because you pursue a certain job doesn’t mean your identity is defined by it. In societies with strong collectivist values, like China, this mindset can be particularly liberating. I would encourage people to embrace the idea that their future is not predetermined by others or by society, but rather shaped by their own decisions and aspirations.
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Christian Gu
Treaty of Middelburg
I would like to contribute to the freedom of expression, since nowadays is an issue having opposite ideologies or points of views from the majorities. For the mere fact of sharing a different perspective, which the vast majority of people do not support, is a reason for censoring an individual, and I would like to change that.
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Flavia Cuneo
Treaty of Middelburg
I would change the way society pressures people to conform by promoting more acceptance of individuality. We should encourage people to think for themselves, define themselves on their own terms (not society's), be open, and explore different perspectives without fear of judgment. Instead of pushing everyone to fit into a specific mold, we should celebrate diversity.
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Julia Antczak
Treaty of Middelburg
I would like to see a world where freedom means not just being able to speak our minds, but also having the right to privacy and control over our personal data. In today’s world, privacy is hard to keep, and I think there should be stronger rules to protect people from being constantly watched and influenced online. Freedom of speech shouldn’t mean giving up control of our personal space. I also hope for more equality in freedom, where young people from all backgrounds have the same chances to share their ideas and be part of conversations. Finally, I would like to see more focus on freedom of thought, where young people can think for themselves, explore different opinions, and not fear being judged or punished for it.
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Cayetana de la Puente
Treaty of Middelburg
I’d fix it so every kid gets a fair shot with education and opportunities. In my area, I see people stuck by circumstance—I’d break those barriers so freedom’s real for everyone.
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Emre Akman
