In a momentous occasion held in Paris on June 26, 2024, Joshua from SEVENTEEN addressed the audience at the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Youth Ceremony. Representing his fellow band members, Joshua's speech was a testament to the group's dedication to youth empowerment and global unity. This significant event marked their official recognition as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors for Youth, a role that SEVENTEEN embraced with humility and a sense of responsibility.
Joshua began his speech by reflecting on SEVENTEEN's previous visit to the UNESCO Youth Forum in November, a pivotal experience that deepened their commitment to youth issues. He expressed gratitude for the invitation to the ceremony and acknowledged the honor of representing today's youth, a priority group for UNESCO. He recounted the group's journey since their debut, highlighting how their music has always been a reflection of their personal experiences and genuine emotions.
"For the past nine 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," Joshua said, underscoring the deep connection SEVENTEEN has with their fans.
Joshua emphasized the growing sense of duty each member felt to speak on behalf of the youth and encourage them to pursue their dreams. This sense of responsibility led SEVENTEEN to begin donations to children's organizations in 2017. Their commitment to youth empowerment was further solidified in 2022 when they partnered with the Korean National Commission for UNESCO to launch the "Going Together" global youth education campaign.
Reflecting on their participation in the previous year's youth forum at UNESCO headquarters, Joshua described it as an eye-opening experience that inspired the group to think about what more they could do for young people. The surprise and honor of receiving the designation letter from Director General Audrey Azoulay confirmed their dedication to this cause. "We really thought it was meant to be," Joshua remarked, expressing the group's excitement to elevate their "Going Together" campaign in partnership with UNESCO.
Joshua then shared SEVENTEEN's vision as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors for Youth, grounded in the lessons they learned from their own lives. He urged young people to recognize the importance of their unique dreams, regardless of their size or nature. "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," he advised.
He also stressed the importance of companionship and support in the pursuit of dreams, drawing from SEVENTEEN's own experiences as a group. "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," he said. Joshua highlighted that the band's success was not a result of a fast track but rather the result of nine years of intense effort and the strong bonds they built along the way.
The power of community and support was a recurring theme in Joshua's speech. He recounted the love and hope SEVENTEEN felt in their youth, which they tried to spread through their music. However, he also acknowledged the tough times and the solace they found in their community, particularly their fans, CARATs. "We can overcome hardships with gratitude, only because we have a supportive community who helped us build our dreams together," he said.
Joshua concluded his speech by announcing SEVENTEEN's commitment to creating a Global Youth Community strengthened by mutual love and support. As a significant step in this direction, he revealed that SEVENTEEN would donate $1 million to a joint global youth grant scheme with UNESCO. This initiative aims to support creative and determined young people in making the world a better place. The official announcement of this donation will be made in August, and Joshua encouraged everyone to spread the word and join SEVENTEEN in this journey.
The next day, SEVENTEEN continued to make history by performing at the prestigious Glastonbury Festival. This performance was particularly notable as they became the first K-pop group ever to perform at the festival, marking a significant milestone in their career and in the global recognition of K-pop. Their performance on the Pyramid Stage on June 28, 2024, was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the audience and praised by critics, further cementing their status as international music icons.
Sharing the stage with renowned artists such as Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and SZA, SEVENTEEN showcased their musical prowess and their ability to connect with diverse audiences. Their performance at Glastonbury was a powerful symbol of the expanding reach and influence of K-pop, demonstrating how music can transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.
SEVENTEEN's dual achievements at UNESCO and Glastonbury exemplify their commitment to making a positive impact through their music and their advocacy. Their journey from their debut to global stardom is a testament to the power of dreams, hard work, and the support of a strong community. As Joshua aptly put it, "For your dreams, SEVENTEEN will stand by your side. SEVENTEEN will be going together for your dream."
The 13 members of SEVENTEEN—S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The8, Seungkwan, Vernon, and Dino—each bring their unique stories and experiences, contributing to the group's collective vision. This unity and diversity have been key to their success, fostering a supportive environment that allows each member to thrive.
SEVENTEEN's inspiring message to youth worldwide is clear: believe in your dreams, support one another, and together, we can build a better future. Their historic milestones at UNESCO and Glastonbury serve as powerful reminders of the impact that dedication, unity, and a shared vision can achieve.Seventeen at Glastonbury, 28th June, 2024
