Treaty of Middelburg
This directly ties into my previous answer, and again tends towards the sphere of education. I would like to create and facilitate not only safe spaces, but brave spaces. Spaces where people can share different opinions, are brave enough to ask the "wrong" questions, and feel comfortable enough to change their minds and consider foreign points of view. I would like to create more opportunities for learning and criticism and mistakes and empathy and love. A dialogue and conversation without borders. I think it is only with free minds that one can achieve a more free society and world. I would like to see more free minds.
Team members
- ■ Bhanavi Micarelli
Why do you want to participate?
I would really appreciate this opportunity to meet new, passionate young people and discuss with them important topics of freedom and democracy.
What does freedom mean to you?
For me, freedom means many things. It can mean a critical, accepting, dynamic, brave, curious, creative public sphere. It can mean a mind that is aware and critical, and ultimately unfettered by its ingrained biases. It is the opportunity and ability to be, to love, to question.
What are the biggest challenges?
Considering that my interests typically lie in the education sphere, the first two challenges that came to mind are polarisation and censorship as they can curtail the freedom to think, communicate, and create freely. Polarisation is a significant challenge as it enhances societal divisions and hinders open dialogue and understanding, often leading to echo chambers that restrict critical thinking and the freedom to explore diverse perspectives. Censorship is another major obstacle, especially with recent events worldwide. Whether through government regulations or social pressures, there have been significant challenges to the expression and engagement with diverse opinions and perspectives on important issues. For me, freedom is built off of mutual respect. I believe that it is important to address these two challenges in order to work towards such a world.
Do you have a message?
In the previous questions I wrote about education, polarisation, censorship, and the freedom of the mind and the importance of empathy and respect for the other -- all what I consider to be important points in the discussion of freedom. I am happy to talk about these ideas, but perhaps more than anything I am interested in the idea of creating and facilitating spaces that would facilitate a more free world, as well as listening to what others have to say about it.
