Joshua reflects on SEVENTEEN’s work with UNESCO
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Join us NOW as UNESCO and SEVENTEEN highlight the achievements of youth-led projects supported through the Global Youth Grant Scheme “#GoingTogether – For Youth, Creativity and Well-Being” and mark this milestone with a Celebratory Ceremony.… pic.twitter.com/XYCU53Z1RG
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Joshua of SEVENTEEN returned to UNESCO headquarters in Paris on June 26, 2026, to speak on behalf of the group during the event “UNESCO x Seventeen: Celebrating Youth, Creativity and Well Being Together.” Representing all 13 members, the 30-year-old discussed the group’s ongoing commitment to helping young people pursue their goals through creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. The event came as another joint effort between SEVENTEEN and UNESCO, which began in November 2023 when the group became the first KPop act to hold a special session at the organization’s Youth Forum. In June 2024, the 13-member team was appointed as UNESCO’s first Goodwill Ambassador for Youth, expanding its role in supporting young people around the world.
“Today marks SEVENTEEN’s third visit to UNESCO headquarters, a place where returning is always meaningful,” the South Korean artist said. “Upon our appointment, we shared with UNESCO a core belief that young people should be empowered to lead change.”
Global Youth Grant Scheme continues to grow
During his speech, Joshua highlighted the success of the Global Youth Grant Scheme, known as “Going Together For Youth Creativity and Well Being.” The project was launched through a $1 million donation from SEVENTEEN after the group received their titles as UNESCO ambassadors in June 2024. The initiative supports programs led by young people in areas such as music, art, sports, mental health, and community development. Additional funding was also provided through proceeds from the “Joopiter presents: sacai x SEVENTEEN” charity auction. Thanks to these strategies, UNESCO was able to offer support to 10 standout projects selected from the program’s first 100 participating youth groups.
Speaking about the projects, he said:
“No project was done by just one person. They came together, joined forces and made it happen as a team. 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.”
The group pledges continued commitment to young leaders
“your dreams matter. they matter to you, they matter to the world, and they matter deeply to us, SEVENTEEN”
“never let anyone, including yourself, belittle your dream”
SEVENTEEN JOSHUA AT UNESCO #UNESCOxSEVENTEEN #GoingTogetherWithSVT @pledis_17 pic.twitter.com/SvPZGMDGzV
— 🌙 (@shuasmedia) June 25, 2026
Joshua said the SEVENTEEN members were especially inspired by how participants used their ideas and talents to create positive change in their own communities. He noted that many of the challenges and achievements experienced by the young leaders reminded the boy group of their own journey as artists. Rather than focusing only on economic support, the South Korean star emphasized the importance of encouraging confidence, creativity, and collaboration. Joshua concluded his speech by reaffirming the group’s promise to continue supporting young people through their roles as UNESCO Youth Goodwill Ambassadors.
“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,” he concluded.
