SEVENTEEN continues to make history, not just on the global music charts, but as a powerful voice for the next generation. The K-Pop powerhouse group is set to take the international stage once again, with member Joshua delivering a landmark speech at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris on June 25, 2026. This monumental event marks the second anniversary of SEVENTEEN’s historic appointment as UNESCO’s first-ever Goodwill Ambassador for Youth, solidifying their transition from musical sensations to global youth advocates.
Joshua Takes the Stage at UNESCO Headquarters
The highly anticipated appearance is part of the “UNESCO x SEVENTEEN: Celebrating Youth, Creativity and Well-Being Together” program. Taking place in Room I of the UNESCO Headquarters, Joshua, a Korean American member of the group, will speak on behalf of all thirteen members. He is expected to deliver a passionate message of support, resilience, and hope to young people worldwide.
The ceremony will be attended by UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany alongside ten exceptional youth leaders from across the globe. For fans unable to attend in Paris, the entire event will be livestreamed on UNESCO’s official YouTube channel, ensuring that the group’s empowering message reaches every corner of the world.
The “Going Together” Initiative: A Timeline of Impact
SEVENTEEN’s partnership with UNESCO is not a sudden development, but the result of years of dedicated philanthropy. The journey began in 2022 when the group launched the ‘#GoingTogether’ initiative in collaboration with the Korean National Commission for UNESCO. Their unwavering commitment to youth empowerment led to their unprecedented appointment as UNESCO Youth Goodwill Ambassadors in June 2024.
Following their appointment, SEVENTEEN took immediate and substantial action by donating $1 million to establish the Global Youth Grant Scheme. This fund was specifically designed to support projects aimed at strengthening youth confidence and resilience through music, arts, and sports, while fostering creative communities and promoting mental health.
Empowering 100 Youth-Led Projects Across 64 Countries
The impact of SEVENTEEN’s $1 million donation has been nothing short of transformative. Throughout 2025, the Global Youth Grant Scheme successfully funded 100 youth-led projects spanning 64 countries across all regions. These initiatives have directly benefited over 21,000 individuals and engaged an impressive 1.2 million people online.
The funded projects address critical global issues, including climate education, youth empowerment, social inclusion, and cultural heritage preservation. For instance, Mary Rose Pagador from the Philippines utilized the grant to build a community library from scratch, reaching 350 beneficiaries. In Nigeria, Ekaette Frank ran an intensive filmmaking and screenwriting program that successfully trained 200 young people, with 60% being female participants. In Mexico, Aaron Matias Salazar Rios delivered “Resilience Circles against Racism” across 12 schools, significantly changing students’ perspectives on inclusion and their own aspirations.
Launching the Scale-Up Phase in 2026
Joshua’s upcoming speech in Paris will not only celebrate these remarkable achievements but also mark the official launch of the Scheme’s Scale-Up Phase. From the initial 100 projects, 10 standout youth leaders have been selected to receive enhanced support, allowing them to expand their innovative initiatives and generate long-term, sustainable impact in their communities.
This scale-up phase represents a deepening of the partnership between UNESCO and SEVENTEEN. It demonstrates a shared belief that young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the changemakers of today. By providing tangible resources and a global platform, SEVENTEEN is actively proving that their influence extends far beyond the realm of K-Pop.
Redefining the Role of K-Pop Idols
SEVENTEEN’s ongoing work with UNESCO highlights a significant shift in the K-Pop industry. Idols are increasingly leveraging their massive global platforms to address serious social issues and drive tangible change. Joshua’s presence at the UNESCO podium on June 25 will serve as a powerful reminder of music’s ability to transcend borders and inspire a new generation to take action.
As the world tunes in to watch Joshua’s speech, it becomes clear that SEVENTEEN is not just breaking records; they are breaking barriers and building a more creative, resilient, and inclusive future for youth everywhere.
