On June 26th local time, the popular South Korean boy group SEVENTEEN attended the appointment ceremony for the Goodwill Ambassador for Youth at the headquarters of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris, France. Joshua delivered a speech of about 10 minutes, while other members also spoke briefly to cheer on young people chasing their dreams.
The UNESCO appoints celebrities from various fields globally as Goodwill Ambassadors to raise awareness of the organization’s activities. SEVENTEEN is the first K-pop artist to be appointed to this role and the first time UNESCO has appointed a “Goodwill Ambassador for Youth”.
On that day, SEVENTEEN’s leader S.Coups accepted the appointment letter on behalf of the group as the “Goodwill Ambassador for Youth”, and Korean-American member Joshua delivered a 10-minute speech in English.
Joshua mentioned that SEVENTEEN participated in the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum in November last year and gave a speech. He was deeply impressed by the venue and felt the need to visit again. Standing before everyone for the first time as the Goodwill Ambassador for Youth was a touching moment for them, and they felt honored to represent the youth.
He expressed gratitude to CARAT (official fan club) for their support, allowing SEVENTEEN to form a strong connection with the global youth generation and become advocates for the youth, embracing a sense of mission to support young people’s dreams.
Joshua also mentioned that since 2017, they have been donating to help children due to their growing sense of responsibility. In 2022, they began the “#Going Together” project in collaboration with the UNESCO Korea Commission. After participating in the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum last year and meeting youth representatives from around the world, they reflected on what more they could do for young people in the future.
He emphasized the importance of all young people’s dreams and encouraged them to remember they are not alone in pursuing their dreams. Success did not come immediately for SEVENTEEN, but their bond as members and gaining courage and inspiration from interacting with fans during struggles enabled them to move forward.
SEVENTEEN announced a donation of $1 million to the global youth and launched the “Global Youth Grant Scheme” project in collaboration with UNESCO.
Joshua acknowledged the support they receive for their dreams, helping them overcome challenges with gratitude. SEVENTEEN understands that dreams are not achieved alone and hopes to repay the strength given to them by expanding the power of love and creating a better future for young people as Goodwill Ambassadors.
Joshua quoted lyrics from SEVENTEEN’s song “Super,” saying, “I Luv My Team I Luv My Crew,” emphasizing that everyone is a part of their team, and their dreams are SEVENTEEN’s dreams. He invited other SEVENTEEN members to speak and cheer on the dreams of young people.
Hoshi expressed in English, “Your dream is our dance”; The 8 said in Chinese, “Because of your dreams, let’s shine even more brightly together”; DK spoke in Korean, “Your dreams are our strength,” while Vernon stated in English, “Your dream is what we cherish.”
Lastly, Jeonghan quoted lyrics from SEVENTEEN’s Japanese song “Ima -Ashita Sekai ga Owattemo-” in Japanese, saying, “Your dreams are the most important thing, even if the world ends tonight.” Finally, leader S.Coups concluded in Korean, “Your dreams are the future for all of us.”
In conclusion, Joshua summed up in English, “SEVENTEEN will be by your side for your dreams. SEVENTEEN will walk with you for your dreams. Thank you, everyone.”