SEVENTEEN member Joshua delivered an inspiring message of hope and unity during a special event at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France, on June 25.
Speaking on behalf of all 13 members, Joshua encouraged young people around the world to believe in their dreams while reaffirming the group’s commitment to supporting youth through its ongoing partnership with UNESCO.
Joshua took the stage as a UNESCO Youth Goodwill Ambassador during the event, “UNESCO x SEVENTEEN: Celebrating Youth, Creativity and Well-Being Together,” held in the organization’s main hall, AllKPop reported.
Looking back on SEVENTEEN’s participation in the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum in 2023 and the group’s appointment as UNESCO’s first Youth Goodwill Ambassadors in 2024, he said both SEVENTEEN and UNESCO share the belief that young people have the power to create meaningful change.
He introduced the group’s Global Youth Grant Scheme, “Going Together – For Youth Creativity and Well-Being,” which provides young people with funding, mentoring, and opportunities to turn their ideas into real projects.
Joshua shared that the initiative has shown how music, art, and sports can help young people express themselves, care for their well-being, and build confidence while working together to create positive change.
Joshua Encourages Young Dreamers
Reflecting on SEVENTEEN’s own journey, Joshua spoke honestly about the challenges the group has faced over the past decade.
“SEVENTEEN has shared one dream for more than 10 years, and we often faced uncertainty within ourselves,” he said. “We had to adapt to change, face new challenges, and push beyond our own limits.”
According to MaeilBusiness, he explained that those experiences taught the members an important lesson about teamwork.
“Through that process, we learned that no growth is achieved alone. We also learned that trust in one another and the belief that we are stronger together can take us farther,” Joshua said, adding that he saw the same spirit of cooperation among the young people attending the event.
Joshua closed his speech with a heartfelt message that drew warm applause from the audience.
“Your dreams are very important to you, to this world, and to SEVENTEEN,” he said. “Do not let anyone, not even yourselves, belittle your dreams.”
He also promised to continue supporting young people around the world by standing beside them as a UNESCO Youth Goodwill Ambassador.
Since becoming UNESCO’s first Youth Goodwill Ambassadors in 2024, SEVENTEEN has strengthened its support for youth by donating $1 million to launch the Global Youth Grant Scheme and making additional contributions through proceeds from the “JOOPITER presents: sacai x SEVENTEEN” charity auction.