The k-pop group SEVENTEEN has been officially named Goodwill Ambassador for Youth by UNESCO in a ceremony held this Wednesday, June 26 in Paris. The 13 members of the successful boy band South Korean traveled to the French capital to assume their new role in campaigns for global youth. It is the first time that the aforementioned institution assigns this honorary title to a K-pop group.
The musical act, which has nine years of artistic life, is one of the most important in South Korea. Your album MLF became the best-selling album of 2023 worldwide, according to IFPI. But along with commercial recognition, SEVENTEEN has also earned the respect of the Korean industry for its impressive performances in songs that empathetically appeal to diverse topics: from love and friendship to the complex journey to maturity.
During the event of UNESCO In a live performance on YouTube, the prolific artists highlighted the importance of camaraderie in overcoming difficult circumstances and encouraged young people to follow their dreams.
Joshua, a member of the musical group, spoke on behalf of his colleagues. “It is a great honor to be representatives of youth, which is a priority group for UNESCO. “We are grateful to be recognized for our constant efforts and passion to contribute to youth around the world,” he said.
The vocalist highlighted that, since SEVENTEEN’s debut, “our music has spoken about our personal experiences and genuine emotions at different stages of our youth.”
“First, we want to tell young people that every dream they have is important. Every dream counts, whether big or small, loud or quiet, traditional or innovative, personal or public. Don’t let anyone, including yourself, belittle your dream.”, he declared in his speech.
Furthermore, he added: “When you pursue your dream, please remember that you are not alone. Find camaraderie with other young people and also give them your support.”
“Now, to return what we have received from all of you, We are determined to use our voice to create a global youth community May it become stronger through love and mutual support,” he added.
The boy band consisting of S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, The8, Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Vernon and Dino already has an extensive history of collaborating with charities. Annually since 2017, SEVENTEEN has donated to local and global children’s organizations as a way to celebrate their debut anniversary. The causes they have supported range from educational programs to children’s shelters.
As part of their commitment to their new ambassadorship role, the band announced a $1 million donation to the joint program. “Global Youth Grant Scheme” with UNESCO. This initiative is part of the group’s global #GoingTogether movement and aims to fund youth projects that address challenges related to the well-being and development of their communities through music, arts and sport.
“We believe that young people have the most creative ideas and the greatest determination to make the world a better place.. By funding and supporting these bright ideas, we hope this program will serve as a springboard to building positive youth communities,” Joshua said.
For its part, Audrey AzoulayDirector General of UNESCO, thanked SEVENTEEN for their participation as new faces that will spread the values of the institution.
“This group has become a symbol for millions of young people around the world, to whom it transmits positive energy and a spirit of leadership. UNESCO, as a United Nations Organization for Culture and Education, is delighted to join forces with SEVENTEEN to give young people the means to express themselves and take action to meet the great challenges of this century”.
SEVENTEEN’s official appointment as Goodwill Ambassadors comes after the group participated in the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum in September 2023, where they also gave a speech and a live performance that reached over 40 million views online.
Following the ceremony in Paris, SEVENTEEN will continue its global activities with performances at the Glastonbury Festival (June 28) and in the Lollapalooza Berlin Festival this September 8th.
