Seventeen's Joshua Delivers Speech at UNESCO: "The Answers to Change the World Are in the Hands of Youth"

Speech at "Going Together" Ceremony in Paris on the 25th
Encourages Youth Worldwide: "Let's Keep Moving Forward Together"

Seventeen group member Joshua is delivering a speech at the UNESCO commemorative ceremony in Paris. Photo by EPA

"The answers that can change the world are already in the hands of young people. All they need is someone to believe in them."

This was the message delivered by Joshua of the group Seventeen on June 25 at a commemorative ceremony for the global youth support program "Going Together," held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France. Representing Seventeen, Joshua stood on stage as a UNESCO Youth Goodwill Ambassador and pledged unwavering solidarity and trust for young people around the world.

During his approximately six-minute speech in English, Joshua reflected, "From the vibrant energy of the 13th Youth Forum in 2023, where we shared the value of youth solidarity, to the honor of being appointed as a UNESCO Youth Goodwill Ambassador in 2024, all those memories remain vivid in our hearts."

He mentioned the shared vision of Seventeen and UNESCO to empower youth to drive change, emphasizing that this goal aligns with the "United Nations Youth 2030 Strategy," which aims to ensure that all young people are respected for their diversity, can grow as equal partners and leaders, and fully enjoy their rights.

Regarding the potential of youth to lead change, Joshua stated, "What matters more than numbers are the stories of young people," and added, "No project is accomplished by individual effort alone." He stressed, "Young people know better than anyone the challenges facing their communities, and that is why they have been able to create the best solutions."

Joshua drew on Seventeen's experience as a group now in its 10th year to describe the pressures that youth face. He said, "You, too, have no doubt faced moments of self-doubt, overwhelming pressure, and sleepless nights," and shared, "As 13 members who have shared a single dream for over 10 years, Seventeen has also had to confront uncertainty within ourselves."

He identified mutual trust as the driving force that helps overcome crises, saying, "No growth is achieved through individual effort alone, and we have been able to go further because we believed in each other and trusted in our collective strength."

Regarding the meaning of teamwork, he explained, "Being together as one team does not mean that everyone must walk the same path." He continued, "The diverse experiences we have gained through unit and individual activities have built the strong team we are today. Even if each of us faces different challenges, we are all on the same path in our efforts to create a better world. Let's continue moving forward together."

Seventeen group member Joshua is delivering a speech at the UNESCO commemorative ceremony in Paris. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

Joshua also revealed concrete plans to expand support for youth. In 2024, when Seventeen was appointed as Youth Goodwill Ambassador, the group donated 1 million dollars (approximately 1.39 billion won), launching the Global Youth Grant Scheme. Joshua introduced this program as "an initiative that provides resources, mentoring, and a range of opportunities to help young people turn their ideas into meaningful change," and shared, "We have seen young people find comfort in music and dance, care for their hearts through art, and build confidence through sports."

To maximize the impact of these valuable projects, Seventeen donated all proceeds from last year’s World Youth Day charity auction to the Global Youth Grant Scheme. This funding will be used to further support 10 outstanding teams—selected from among 100 organizations participating in the 'Going Together' campaign—that have delivered exceptional results, enabling them to deepen their activities.

The 12 members who could not be present in Paris joined the ceremony via a pre-recorded video message. S.Coups expressed, "We are truly grateful for every meaningful moment when we could support and encourage young people around the world." Dokyeom encouraged youth, saying, "With your creativity, passion, and teamwork, you have shown hope and possibility to so many people." The members united in the message, "Let's keep going together."

Joshua concluded, "Never let anyone, not even yourself, diminish your dreams. No matter where your path leads, always remember—Seventeen is right here with you."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.