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| ▲ K-pop boy group Seventeen attends the ceremony for its appointment as UNESCO's Goodwill Ambassador for Youth at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on June 26, 2024, in this photo provided by Plus M Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, June 28 (Yonhap) -- K-pop boy group Seventeen has become the first K-pop group to be appointed as UNESCO Youth Ambassadors. The members have pledged to donate $1 million (approximately 1.39 billion won) to support global youth initiatives.
During the appointment ceremony held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on the 26th (local time), Seventeen announced their plan to launch the 'Global Youth Grant Scheme' in collaboration with UNESCO.
"We aim to spread the power of camaraderie and contribute to building a supportive youth community for a better future," they said, expressing their intention to provide funding and capacity-building programs to help young people worldwide realize their ideas for a better future. A call for applications will be issued in August to select beneficiaries.
"We believe that young people have both the most creative ideas and the determination to make the world a better place," Seventeen stated. "We hope our program can serve as a stepping stone for building a positive youth community."
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| ▲ S.Coups (2nd from L) of K-pop boy group Seventeen and Audrey Azoulay, Director general of UNESCO, pose for photos at the ceremony for the band's appointment as UNESCO's Goodwill Ambassador for Youth at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on June 26, 2024, in this photo provided by Plus M Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
Dressed in matching black suits, Seventeen received their appointment certificates from UNESCO officials. Joshua, representing the group, delivered the acceptance speech. "Thanks to the love from Carat (Seventeen's fandom), we have formed a strong bond and sense of belonging with the younger generation worldwide. Over time, we have felt a growing mission to represent and support the dreams of young people."
Reflecting on their appointment, Seventeen shared, "We were thrilled and honored to receive the letter of appointment from Director-General Azoulay. It felt like a fateful moment."
Seventeen addressed young people around the world, saying, "No matter how big or small, loud or quiet, traditional or innovative, personal or public, all your dreams matter. Don't let anyone, including yourself, belittle your dreams." They emphasized, "Know that you are not alone in your journey to achieve your dreams. We all agree that the strong camaraderie we've built over the years is the key to our success."
Seventeen also explained the motivation behind their donation, stating, "The courage and inspiration we gained through deep communication with Carats have kept us moving forward. To repay the strength we've received from all of you, we have decided to use our voices to build a global youth community grounded in love and support for one another."
Referencing the lyrics from their hit song 'Super,' "I Luv My Team I Luv My Crew," Seventeen conveyed a message of support to young people worldwide, saying, "All of you are our team and our crew."
In August 2022, Seventeen signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Korean National Commission for UNESCO to promote the 'Going Together Campaign,' which encourages youth interest in addressing educational disparities and fostering sustainable education.
The band has supported education in Malawi, Africa, and opened educational support centers in two regions in East Timor. In November last year, they delivered a one-hour speech and performance at the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
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| ▲ Seventeen members pose for photos with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, in this undated photo provided by Pledis Entertainment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
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