The K-pop group Seventeen has been appointed as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors for Youth, marking a historic first for a K-pop act. This significant announcement was made by Pledis Entertainment, the agency representing Seventeen, on Tuesday. The appointment ceremony is scheduled to take place at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris on June 26, 2024, at 10 AM (CET).
Seventeen, a 13-member boy band, has been recognized for their continuous efforts in sharing their growth stories through music and their substantial influence on young people globally since their debut in 2015. The group’s appointment as Goodwill Ambassadors for Youth by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) underscores their commitment to empowering youth and addressing contemporary challenges.
Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, expressed her enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Seventeen and UNESCO are joining forces to empower youth to lead change and address the challenges of our time. Seventeen has inspired and supported young people worldwide with their music and positive energy. Following several successful collaborations, I am delighted to welcome Seventeen as part of our partnership to further deepen our cooperation.”
The appointment ceremony will see the band members delivering an acceptance speech and engaging in discussions with Azoulay about their future activities as Goodwill Ambassadors. This role will involve Seventeen using their talent and voice to highlight the challenges faced by young people and create opportunities for concrete change through UNESCO programs.
Seventeen’s involvement with UNESCO is not new. In August 2022, the group collaborated with UNESCO on the #GoingTogether campaign, which emphasized the importance of education. This initiative, launched jointly by Pledis Entertainment and UNESCO Korea, led to the establishment of two community learning centers in East Timor and provided educational support in Malawi.
The K-pop group also played a significant role in the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum held at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris in November 2023. During this event, they engaged with youth representatives from over 170 countries, leading a special session that highlighted the power of youth solidarity and education in shaping the future.
Seventeen’s music, known for its messages of resilience and unity, has gained worldwide popularity. The group’s participation in charitable initiatives and their efforts to spread positivity have further solidified their reputation as influential figures in the global music scene.
As UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors for Youth, Seventeen will commit to promoting the organization’s values and mandate. At the ceremony on June 26, Azoulay will provide the group with a roadmap to spotlight the challenges faced by young people and create opportunities for meaningful change through UNESCO programs. The initial steps of the new Seventeen x UNESCO partnership, dedicated to supporting youth projects worldwide, will also be unveiled.
UNESCO, with 194 Member States, contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication, and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. The organization oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves, and Global Geoparks, among other initiatives.
Seventeen, comprised of members S.COUPS, JEONGHAN, JOSHUA, JUN, HOSHI, WONWOO, WOOZI, THE 8, MINGYU, DK, SEUNGKWAN, VERNON, and DINO, has risen to prominence with their innovative structure and creative ecosystem. The group’s achievements include winning the PUSH Performance of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards and Best New and Best Push at the MTV European Music Awards. Their albums, FML and SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN, have topped charts and set records in the K-pop industry.
In 2024, Seventeen will continue to expand their global reach with upcoming performances at major events such as the Glastonbury Festival and Lollapalooza Berlin. Their appointment as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors for Youth marks a new chapter in their journey, dedicated to empowering young people and driving positive change worldwide.
