This is what freedom means to you and everyone around you
Treaty of Middelburg
In 2024, more than 44 000 immigrant boats arrived in the Canary Islands, making it the year with the highest number of arrivals ever recorded. Due to its location, the islands have become the main point of destination for people travelling from Africa, via the Atlantic Route. An immigrant boat takes approximately ten days to reach the Canary Islands, during which those on board face conditions we could barely even begin to imagine. It has been revealed that every 45 minutes, someone dies trying to reach our shores. If I could change anything in the world regarding freedom I would strive to eliminate the types of circumstances that force people to leave their hometowns. No one should have to risk their life in search of freedom. True freedom should mean to have the option to choose, to choose to stay or to leave, but above all, to be able to make that choice.
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Alexia Garrido Sanagustín
Treaty of Middelburg
I would like to see youth voices be amplified in politics, to encourage media outlets to feature more stories about young people and their perspectives, to promote education on tolerance and diversity, and to see policies representing minorities.
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Raquel Garcia
Treaty of Middelburg
In an ideal world freedom would be a garantueed way of living for everyone, there would be no abuse of power, propaganda or dictators. This is of course really big and not so easy to achieve. If I think of a more achievable goal, I would change the way we get educated about freedom. At my school there never was any special education about what freedom means to us and we never really thought about it. We only spoke of freedom surround wars or about fundamental rights like freedom of speech. It was only when I joined the Anne Frank Foundation/the Anne Frank Youth Network that I really stopped to think about what freedom means to me and how broad the definition of freedom can be. Freedom can be in the smallest things, like being able to make your own sandwich, but it can also be bigger things like having food to begin with or being able to go outside. I think it is important that people get educated more about this topic, this way I think more people will appreciate the freedom that they have.
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Lara Roovers
Treaty of Middelburg
I think there are a lot of countries in the world where people are not truly free and although I am realistic enough to know that I am not able to change the world by myself, overnight. I would like to contribute towards the conversation of freedom for people. In the end, I would love for every person on this earth to live, act, speak and think as they want and not under the oppression of another person's beliefs. I especially have a heart for children, if there is anything I would want to have an impact on - its the lives of children (and the youth) around the world who are living in oppression.
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Rebecca Pytsje du-Pont
Treaty of Middelburg
I would strive to build more inclusive societies where all young people, regardless of their background, have equal access to education, the freedom to voice their opinions, and the chance to actively shape change in their communities.
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sonia crossen
Treaty of Middelburg
I would like to see a world where legal frameworks prioritize human dignity over political interests. This means rethinking policies that criminalize migration, ensuring international human rights laws are actually enforced, and addressing digital freedoms in an era of surveillance. Freedom should not be conditional on nationality, socio-economic status, or government policies—it should be a fundamental guarantee for all.
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Matilde Comotti
Treaty of Middelburg
I think that many people think that their opinion is not important and that they cannot really change anything, or that someone will do it for them, or that their problems are completely unique. As the result some social, political, economic problems -local or global remain unaddressed for decades and generations. For example everyone considers themselves “children” of their country. This belief justifies them complaining about certain conditions in their countries. However how many of these complainers have tried to do something with this? The percentage varies obviously yet it still is a tiny number. If everyone truly felt free to pursue their truths and changes, if this behaviour would be encouraged, if citizens felt like they are “parents” of their countries —responsible for the state of things (which in fact they are whether they realise that or not), many problems would be solved quicker and more efficiently. Instead there is a huge group of complainers that are saying something about the “system” and then skip elections, pass by the trash on the street ignoring it, work for decades being paid less than the market salary —“dealing with IT”. That I dream to change.
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Yevheniia Danylova
Treaty of Middelburg
When it comes to freedom, I believe that true liberty goes beyond just the freedom of expression or the freedom from warfare. While these are undoubtedly essential, the kind of freedom I would like to see in the world encompasses much more. It is about the freedom to live peacefully side by side, despite our differences, and the freedom to build bridges across cultures and nations. This includes fostering an environment where mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation replace fear and division. Moreover, I believe that freedom should also extend to economic opportunities, as economic freedom is a fundamental component of a better life. One of the most urgent challenges of our time is the persistent issue of poverty. Economic freedom allows people the opportunity to escape the cycle of poverty, and I believe that by stimulating more economic relations between countries, we can create a more equitable world. Through stronger trade, shared innovation, and global collaboration, we can empower individuals and communities, providing them with the tools they need to rise above poverty and secure a better future. True freedom, in my view, is the ability for every person to live a life without fear, without the constraints of poverty, and without the constant threat of violence. It is a world where people can coexist peacefully, and where opportunities for prosperity and growth are not limited by where you were born or the resources you have. By encouraging economic collaboration and promoting peaceful coexistence, we can create a more inclusive world where everyone has the freedom to live a dignified and fulfilling life.
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August de Bats
Treaty of Middelburg
If I could change one thing about freedom in the world, it would be ensuring that everyone, not just a privileged few, has the same access to it. True freedom means more than just having rights on paper; it means being able to live without fear, express yourself without repression, and pursue opportunities regardless of background, religion, or beliefs. One of the biggest obstacles to freedom today is division, whether through political polarization, religious tensions, or social inequality. I believe we need more open dialogue, more understanding, and more willingness to listen to different perspectives. Freedom should unite, not divide. If we focus on respect, education, and cooperation, we can create a world where freedom is not just a privilege but a shared reality for all.
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Hedi Verhaag
