This is what freedom means to you and everyone around you
Human
I want to help counter democratic backsliding and racism, which continue to threaten true freedom. Too many young people face censorship, repression, and discrimination that limit their ability to speak up and shape their futures. I believe in strengthening democratic values, protecting free expression, and ensuring that no one is denied their rights because of their background. Freedom should be a reality for all, not just a privilege for some.
-
Pauline Schmidt
Treaty of Middelburg
I would love to see a world where freedom is a universal reality, not just a privilege. That means ensuring that people, especially young people, have the right to speak their minds without fear of censorship or punishment. I’d like to see more efforts to protect privacy and free speech, especially in the digital space, where so much of our lives are lived now. But beyond that, I’d want to see a change toward a more inclusive freedom where everyone, regardless of their background, feels empowered to pursue their dreams and make a difference in the world.
-
Noémie Meyer
Treaty of Middelburg
I would like to advocate for a strong rule of law grounded in the values of equality, sustainable development, accountability and sustainability (meant as intergenerational, justice oriented). For that, I would like to extend the Rome Statute to include the crime of Ecocide and to support the European Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism induced idea of a global carbon pricing system (while I am eager to discuss how this system can be improved). If approached effectively, these concepts can yield large gains in terms of freedom in a sustainable future.
-
Alina Friedrich
Treaty of Middelburg
The biggest and most prominent structure I would want to change is gender inequality. it is what concerns half of the population and even parts of the other half aswell. if women are limited and treated unequal even in more liberal societies, then there is still a lot that needs to be done. and without gender equality, freedom cannot be achieved. it can also not be expanded. the most important is the aspect of freedom of choice. if a women does not want to go to work in order to care for the children, then that should be a free choice she makes, not a forced decision.
-
Anneke Müller
Treaty of Middelburg
If I could change one thing about freedom, it would be ensuring that young people have a stronger voice in shaping the policies that affect our lives. Too often, decisions about climate change, education, human rights, and global conflicts are made without our input, despite the fact that we are the ones who will have to live with the consequences. Expanding educational access, increasing political participation among youth, and fostering platforms where young voices can be heard would help ensure that freedom is not just an abstract ideal but a lived reality for everyone. Empowering young people with the tools and opportunities to advocate for change is important for protecting and expanding freedom worldwide.
-
Eva Valence Smit
Treaty of Middelburg
Some political systems. Political systems are rough, like not everyone will benefit from it. It is kinda rigged, as there is always a ‘losing party’. Some people are even threatened by their freedom of speech (insulting people or a social group does not fall into freedom of speech in my opinion). It is difficult and it takes time to create a fair system, but under current circumstances that’s a bit far reached.
-
Daniël Lam
Treaty of Middelburg
From an international relations perspective, we should strive for a more equitable world order. This means advocating for a United Nations that operates with greater democratic control and fairness, without vetoes that allow unjust practices to persist. Increased unity among countries is essential, so we can stand stronger together against bullies on the global stage. Lastly, a fairer economy is crucial to prevent unrest at home. It's challenging to implement conscription, as some countries propose, without ensuring that the youth can still live and thrive.
-
Lennart Droppert
Treaty of Middelburg
I aspire to live in a world where freedom is not just enshrined in law and formally protected but also actively upheld and enforced. Marginalized communities should not only be protected but celebrated for their diversity through genuine integration efforts. Furthermore, freedom should never be misused for political gain; it must remain a non-negotiable principle that is neither questioned nor undermined for second purposes.
-
Maurizio Mancuso
Treaty of Middelburg
I would like to fight for the fundamental freedoms to begin with. I’ve never understood why it is commonly accepted that certain people aren’t able to get the same opportunities, even at the most fundamental level of having where to sleep, or access to food or the most basic education simply because of the place they were born in or the way they were born, such as inherent and chronic illnesses and diseases, or even their sexuality. I would like to change this position and inspire others to fight for everyone to stand a real chance to enjoy the most fundamental human rights they are so often refused.
-
Julia Kowalska
