Hundreds of young people in conversation with Four Freedoms Award laureates at the Nieuwe Kerk in Middelburg

Young people in conversation

During this edition, young people will engage in conversation with international freedom fighters, who will receive the Four Freedoms Awards earlier in the day: the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ, a non-profit organisation dedicated to press freedom worldwide), Isidora Uribe Silva (a young Chilean woman who has been campaigning for equality since her childhood) and Gisèle Pelicot (who took her husband to court for sexually abusing her for years).

First Youth for Freedom Award

This year marks the first time the Youth for Freedom Award will be presented. With the Youth Award, the Roosevelt Foundation recognises young people in the Netherlands who are actively committed to freedom, in the hope that this will encourage other young people to follow their example. Deel de Duif, an initiative by four young people dedicated to strengthening dialogue, connection and solidarity, will receive this award and engage in conversation with the young people present during the Four Freedoms Meet-up.

Young people’s experiences

The programme also features discussions with Russia correspondent Pjotr Sauer, actress Nora Akachar and journalist Zoë Papaikonomou. They will draw connections with the Dutch context and young people’s experiences. The event will be hosted by presenter and programme maker Nadia Moussaid.

About the Four Freedoms

On 6 January 1941, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt delivered the State of the Union address in Washington, the annual ‘throne speech’ in the United States. His speech went down in history as the Four Freedoms speech. Roosevelt articulated four freedoms that should apply to everyone in the world and which remain relevant today: freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear.

Four Freedoms Meet-up

Roosevelt’s words remain relevant today: even now, freedom is not a given for everyone. That is why the Freedom Colleges Foundation and the Roosevelt Foundation organise the annual Four Freedoms Awards, followed by the Four Freedoms Meet-up. During this gathering, young people engage in conversation with renowned Freedom Speakers about what freedom means to us all and how you can contribute to it yourself.

About the laureates

Freedom of Speech: Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is an independent non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting press freedom worldwide. For over forty years, CPJ has defended the right of journalists to work in safety. When violations occur, the organisation mobilises a network of correspondents to report on the situation and take action. CPJ documents attacks on the press, engages with heads of state and advises on diplomatic measures. CPJ also offers assistance to journalists in life-threatening situations, providing medical, psychosocial and legal support. The current conflict situations in Sudan, Ukraine and the Middle East, amongst others, underscore the urgency of CPJ’s work.

Freedom from Want: Isidora Uribe Silva

Isidora Uribe Silva from Chile has been campaigning for inclusion and equal rights for people with disabilities since she was thirteen. Drawing on her own experience, she emphasises that a disability is not a weakness, but a recognised part of society. She developed a parking app that grew into the non-profit organisation Encuentra tu lugar Foundation, focused on accessibility, education and social participation. In 2022, she was named a Young Leader for the Sustainable Development Goals by the UN. She is currently a member of the UN Women’s International Network of 100 Leaders and participates in their working group at an international level. As an international speaker and community builder, she gives a voice to people with disabilities worldwide.

Freedom from Fear: Gisèle Pelicot

For years, Gisèle Pelicot was drugged by her own husband and severely sexually abused by him and dozens of other men. She chose to take her case to public court. By speaking openly about the abuse, she breaks taboos, inspires others and encourages victims to share their stories, placing the responsibility and shame squarely on the perpetrators. Pelicot calls for a change in behaviour and global understanding of sexual violence. She strives for a society in which everyone can move about freely and safely, without fear and free from coercive control or violence: on the street, at work and at home.

Freedom of Worship: cannot be disclosed

The recipient of the Freedom of Worship Award cannot be disclosed in the interests of the laureate’s personal safety. Worldwide, millions of people face persecution because of their religious beliefs, sometimes with fatal consequences. This underlines the importance of continued commitment to freedom of religion and belief.

About the Freedom Colleges Foundation

Since 2013, the Freedom Colleges Foundation has been producing programmes on life in war and conflict, democracy and the rule of law. It combines this with well-known speakers to address current themes that appeal to a young and diverse audience. The Freedom Colleges Foundation holds events annually at venues across the country, such as theatres, libraries and festivals. Each year, the Freedom Colleges Foundation organises more than 50 programmes, reaching an average of 10,000 people.