SEVENTEEN Named UNESCO's Goodwill Ambassador For Youth, Donates Rs 8 Crore: ‘Dream Matters’

SEVENTEEN participated in the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum in November 2023. (Photo Credit: X)

South Korean Boy band, SEVENTEEN, recently became the first K-pop group to be appointed as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Youth. Their historic appointment took place at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where they pledged to donate $1 million (approximately Rs 8 crore) to support global youth initiatives. During the ceremony, Joshua delivered a speech on behalf of the group, where he urged young individuals to follow their dreams without hesitation. The group also announced their initiative, the “Global Youth Grant Scheme”, in collaboration with UNESCO to empower youth globally.

Joshua said, “We are humbled and overwhelmed to stand before you for the first time as UNESCO’s Goodwill Ambassador for Youth. It is a great honour to be representing today’s young people, which is the priority group for UNESCO. For the past 9 years, in different stages of youth, we have engaged with people who love our music, or as we call them, CARATs. Thanks to their love, we have built a strong bond and a sense of belonging with youth around the world.”

“First, we want to tell our fellow youth that every unique dream that you have is important. Every single dream matters, whether it is big or small, loud or quiet, traditional or innovative, personal or public. Never let anyone, including yourself, belittle your dream. Second, when you pursue your dream, please know that you are not alone. Find companionship with your fellow youth, and also give your support to them. As much as hard work and drive are important, a supportive community and strong companionship also play a huge role in the pursuit of our dreams,” Joshua added.

At the end of his speech, the SEVENTEEN member shared that in their song Super, they celebrate their strong bond with the lyrics I Luv My Team. I Luv My Crew. The singer claimed that everyone is part of their team and crew. Joshua also assured their fans that they are not alone, they are part of SEVENTEEN’s community.

Other than their role as UNESCO Youth Ambassadors, SEVENTEEN will participate in campaigns and events to promote UNESCO’s initiatives. Previously, the 13-member group took part in the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum in November 2023, where they delivered a speech and performed live for the first time in France.

Other than Joshua, SEVENTEEN also includes S.Coups, Jeonghan, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon and Dino.