This is what freedom means to you and everyone around you
Treaty of Middelburg
I think there are many spaces in the world of fighting for freedom that I would love to work on, but one of the most simple but vital areas of improvement comes down to communication. Freedom also means being able to discuss hot topics without fear of safety and/or backlash. I think the skill of communicating effectively, especially in healthy debates and healthy conflict, should be a core skill taught from a young age. I think it’s okay to disagree with someone, as long as you try to understand where they’re coming from and why. I try to actively practice and share this skill in my daily life by engaging in more difficult conversations, especially when there’s less overlap on belief systems or values, because I want to foster an environment of self-debate and curiosity with others. If we want a future where freedom thrives, we need spaces that encourage open dialogue, critical thinking, and empathy, not division and polarization.
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Marie Foster
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.
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Val Borgo
Treaty of Middelburg
I want to break the invisible barriers that keep young people from fully owning their future. Too often, freedom is defined as a theoretical right rather than a lived reality. I want to change that by ensuring economic independence, digital sovereignty, and real political influence for young people worldwide. Economic freedom should not be a privilege—it should be a fundamental right. That means creating a world where talent, not wealth, determines success, where education is accessible to everyone, and where financial stability is not dictated by background or social status. No one should have to choose between survival and pursuing their dreams. Digital freedom is just as crucial. The internet was meant to be a space for innovation and free expression, yet it has become a tool for surveillance, misinformation, and control. I want to see a future where young people own their data, control their narratives, and access uncensored knowledge without being manipulated by hidden algorithms or oppressive regimes. Most importantly, I want young people to have a real seat at the table in decision-making. Too often, we are told we are the future while being denied power in the present. Freedom means having the authority, resources, and platform to shape policies, economies, and societies—not just being passive participants in a world built by outdated systems. Freedom should not be conditional, and it should not have to be fought for—it should be the foundation of every opportunity we have. I want to be part of the generation that no longer asks for change but creates it.
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Sila Ünlü
Treaty of Middelburg
I would like to see freedom become more accessible to everyone, regardless of background or circumstances. This means better access to education, fair information provision and encouraging critical thinking, so that people can make conscious and independent choices. In addition, it is important to give young people a voice in decisions that affect them.
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Taco Hamelink
Treaty of Middelburg
Freedom is a complex and fragile thing, and history has shown that threats to it can come from many directions. Instead of focusing on specific groups or nations, I believe the biggest challenges to freedom today are authoritarianism, misinformation, and polarization. These forces can arise anywhere and from anyone, regardless of nationality or religion.
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Bryan Wierckx
Treaty of Middelburg
I want to see a world where young people, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality and cultural background, can pursue their dreams without systemic barriers or fear of discrimination. This includes advocating for inclusive education, digital freedom, and policies that protect youth expression. Societies must recognize young people as key contributors and empower them with the resources and opportunities to shape their own futures.
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Silvia Zankova
Treaty of Middelburg
I think I would work towards better protection of digital rights and online freedom to access information and expression.
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Ellie Hou
Treaty of Middelburg
I want to see a world where young people are empowered to speak up, participate in governance, and break free from societal limitations. This means advocating for stronger youth representation, educational reforms, and digital rights protection. By dismantling restrictive systems and fostering an environment that supports self-expression and inclusivity, I believe we can create a more equitable society for all.
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Preslav Penev
Treaty of Middelburg
The strongest form of freedom to me is choice, and decisions cannot be rationally made until you have complete and real information. Free press and independent journalism without the threat of being shut down or quieted is crucial in today's political climate, regardless of what country one is from. It should be deeply concerning that most people are not told about what is being done with their data and the things they are consenting to. Moreover, there is extremely little transparency when it comes to information about our media itself. For example, many people who use Facebook do not know that upsetting and aggravating content is peddled more often by the algorithm, regardless of its truth or accuracy. The average person does not know who owns news channels like Fox News and where (and who) they get their funding from. To reiterate, we should absolutely look into how much choice we have in our media consumption.
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Shaheen Fatma
