UNESCO names Seventeen as its first goodwill ambassadors for youth

The multi-faceted K-pop sensation Seventeen adds another bullet to its roles: UNESCO's youth representatives

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently appointed South Korean boy group Seventeen and its thirteen members as global ambassadors for youth, marking them as the first recipients of this prestigious title.

During a ceremony at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters on June 26, all members of Seventeen pledged one million US dollars to support collaborative projects to foster youth innovation worldwide.

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Above UNESCO director-general Audrey Azoulay with the thirteen members of Seventeen (Photo: UNESCO/X)

UNESCO director-general Audrey Azoulay with the thirteen members of Seventeen (Photo: UNESCO/X)

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Joshua Hong, a member of Seventeen, expressed their gratitude and commitment. “We are humbled and overwhelmed to stand before you as UNESCO’s goodwill ambassadors for youth,” he said, highlighting their belief in young people’s potential and thanking their fans, Carat, for their steadfast support.

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Above Seventeen member Joshua Hong speaks to the crowd as the group’s representative (Photo: UNESCO/X)

Seventeen member Joshua Hong speaks to the crowd as the group’s representative (Photo: UNESCO/X)

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“It is a great honour to be representing today’s young people which is a priority group for UNESCO.”

- Joshua Hong of Seventeen -

UNESCO director-general Audrey Azoulay praised Seventeen, noting that they “will be a fantastic bridge between us, UNESCO, our values, what we stand for, our aim for peace, and young people.”

Above Seventeen's leader S.Coups (Seungcheol) with Audrey Azoulay (Photo: UNESCO/X)

Seventeen's leader S.Coups (Seungcheol) with Audrey Azoulay (Photo: UNESCO/X)

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Over the years, the group have contributed to causes such as aiding homeless children, supporting victims of abuse, and empowering underprivileged youth through education. On their seventh anniversary, they reaffirmed their dedication.

“In order to return the love we have received over the past seven years,” they said, “we have decided to contribute to creating a world in which no one, including the underprivileged in education, will be marginalised.” They continue this mission today, embodying their commitment to making a positive impact globally.

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UNESCO appoints Seventeen as its first goodwill ambassadors for youth