Treaty of Middelburg
I would like to see a world where freedom is truly inclusive, where it is a lived reality for all regardless of gender, race, socio-economic status or geopolitical positioning. I want to advocate for epistemic justice to ensure that marginalized communities have the power to shape their own narratives, policies and knowledge systems. Freedom should not be dictated by those in power but co-created by those who have been historically silenced. Freedom must be a fundamental right for all. True freedom cannot exist without dismantling the structures of inequality that exist in our society. Freedom must be rooted in justice, it is about collective liberation. Justice should not be an afterthought but the foundation upon which true freedom is built.
Team members
- ■ Selma Raïssi
Why do you want to participate?
I am writing to express my interest in participating in the International Youth Freedom Conference 2025. As a Master student in International Development at Wageningen, with a double specialization in Politics and Sustainable Development Diplomacy, I am deeply interested in the themes of freedom, justice and peace. The opportunity to draft the ‘Treaty of Middleburg’ strongly aligns with my academic background and professional aspirations. My academic interests have largely focused on questions of freedom, especially in the context of conflicts. During my studies, I have investigated how the participation of women in peace processes often leads to longer lasting and stronger peace agreements. During my gap year, I wrote an article for the French CEDIRE youth-political organisation analysing the role of women in conflict resolution in the current Sudanese civil war, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive approaches to peacebuilding. I am enthusiastic about bringing these perspectives to the conference and discussions, and to work toward solutions for a more just, peaceful and sustainable world.
What does freedom mean to you?
My multicultural background has profoundly shaped my perspectives on freedom. Being half French and half Tunisian, having studied in the Netherlands for both my bachelor and my master, and having lived in Australia and Japan during my childhood, I have developed a globalized perspective on questions of freedom. For me, freedom must be intersectional. It cannot exist without (epistemic) justice for marginalized groups (gender, race, socio-economic status or geopolitical positioning). Nelson Mandela once stated, “Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of Palestinians”, and I apply this saying to all marginalized peoples.
What are the biggest challenges?
While the concept of freedom evolves over time, many of the biggest challenges young people face today remain the same as those of the past: freedom from poverty, hunger, oppression, war, and discrimination. There is also freedom of speech, religion, and gender equality. However, I believe our new generation faces some new and additional challenges: freedom from climate change and environmental destruction, freedom from rising fascism and authoritarianism, freedom from digital oppression (e.g. social media, news channels), freedom from forced migration and displacement, freedom from neocolonialism and global economic exploitation...
Do you have a message?
"Our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of Palestinians" - Nelson Mandela Freedom is not true freedom if it is only for some. It must be collective and global, not determined by skin color, religion or gender. As long as oppression exists anywhere, our freedom remains incomplete.
