Seventeen’s Joshua Reflects on Impactful Youth Grant Program, Reaffirming Group’s Commitment as UNESCO Youth Goodwill Ambassador
K-pop sensation Seventeen’s Joshua recently returned to UNESCO headquarters in Paris, delivering a powerful speech that reaffirmed the group’s profound commitment to empowering young people globally. As UNESCO Youth Goodwill Ambassador, Seventeen continues to champion youth development through initiatives focused on creativity, collaboration, and well-being.
During the special commemorative event, “UNESCO x Seventeen: Celebrating Youth, Creativity and Well-Being Together,” Joshua shared insights into Seventeen’s inspiring journey since their appointment as UNESCO’s inaugural Goodwill Ambassador for Youth in 2024. He emphasized the transformative impact of the Global Youth Grant Scheme, a groundbreaking initiative launched in close partnership with the esteemed organization.
Joshua highlighted the significance of their repeated visits, stating, “Today marks Seventeen’s third visit to UNESCO headquarters, a place where returning is always meaningful.” He reiterated the group’s foundational philosophy: “Upon our appointment, we shared with UNESCO a core belief that young people should be empowered to lead change within their communities and beyond.”
This vital grant initiative, aptly named “Going Together – For Youth Creativity and Well-Being,” was made possible by a significant $1 million donation from Seventeen, following their official appointment as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Youth. Since its inception, this dedicated fund has been instrumental in supporting diverse youth-led projects, encompassing vital areas such as music, art, sports, mental health, and crucial community development efforts.
Further demonstrating their commitment, last year Seventeen generously donated proceeds from the “Joopiter presents: sacai x Seventeen” charity auction. This impactful contribution enabled UNESCO to provide crucial additional support to ten outstanding youth-led projects, carefully selected from the program’s initial 100 participating youth groups, amplifying their reach and success.
Beyond mere financial backing, Joshua underscored the profound importance of the young participants’ innate ability to innovate and drive meaningful change directly within their own local communities.
He passionately articulated, “Beyond the numbers, what really matters are the stories.” Joshua shared inspiring examples: “We have seen young people harness the power of music and dance for healing, utilize art for mental well-being, and engage in sports to build confidence and foster teamwork.”
Joshua further elaborated on two particularly striking aspects of these youth-led projects that deeply resonated with the Seventeen members.
Highlighting the spirit of collaboration, he noted, “No project was done by just one person. They came together, joined forces and made it happen as a team.” He praised their autonomy and local expertise, adding, “They did not need someone to tell them what to do. Because they are the ones who know the challenges of their communities best, they are the ones who found the best solutions, demonstrating true youth leadership.”
Drawing insightful parallels, Joshua connected the inspiring experiences of the grant recipients with Seventeen’s own decade-long journey as a resilient K-pop group.
He shared the group’s personal philosophy: “As 13 individuals sharing one dream for over a decade, we faced our own uncertainties, having to reinvent ourselves, embrace new challenges, and continually push beyond our limits.” Joshua emphasized the core lesson learned: “Through those profound experiences, we learned that true growth is never achieved alone. It thrives on mutual trust, unwavering support, and the powerful belief that we are indeed stronger together.”
Concluding his heartfelt speech, Joshua passionately pledged Seventeen’s unwavering commitment to continuously support and uplift young people worldwide through their impactful role as UNESCO Youth Goodwill Ambassador.
He delivered a powerful message of encouragement: “We will sing, we will whisper, and sometimes we will shout out to remind you that your dreams matter. They matter to you, they matter to the world, and they matter deeply to us, Seventeen.” This heartfelt declaration resonated deeply with attendees.
The inspiring event not only featured Joshua’s address but also prominently celebrated the remarkable achievements of young leaders actively participating in the “Going Together” initiative. Esteemed attendees included UNESCO Deputy Director-General Asa Charlotte Regner, along with numerous dedicated youth representatives and impactful project participants from across the globe.
Seventeen’s significant partnership with UNESCO began in November 2023, marking a historic moment as they became the first K-pop act to host a special session at the esteemed organization’s Youth Forum. This collaboration culminated in June 2024 with their groundbreaking appointment as UNESCO’s first-ever Goodwill Ambassador for Youth, solidifying their global advocacy for youth empowerment.
