The group SEVENTEEN (members: S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, The8, Mingyu, DK, Seungkwan, Vernon, Dino) has been appointed as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors for Youth.


According to their agency, Pledis Entertainment, on the 11th, SEVENTEEN is the first K-Pop artist to be officially appointed as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. This also marks the first time UNESCO has appointed Goodwill Ambassadors specifically for youth. 


Since their debut in 2015, SEVENTEEN has continually woven their growth stories into their music, resonating with youth worldwide, and this influence has now been recognized on an international level. UNESCO appoints individuals with global renown from various fields as Goodwill Ambassadors to increase global awareness and participation in UNESCO's ideals and activities. Past UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors include world-renowned opera singer and conductor Plácido Domingo, Real Madrid football player Vinícius Júnior, and Spanish actress Rossy de Palma.


SEVENTEEN has been spreading a positive message through their music, encouraging young people to overcome despair and fatigue and to face challenges together. They have also contributed to spreading positive influence by engaging in various charitable activities. SEVENTEEN and UNESCO have collaborated on the #GoingTogether campaign to raise awareness about the importance of education. This campaign, initiated by Pledis Entertainment (SEVENTEEN) and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO in August 2022, has achieved meaningful outcomes such as establishing two regional learning centers in East Timor and supporting education in Malawi.


In November last year, SEVENTEEN attended the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum held at the UNESCO headquarters, where they met with youth representatives from over 170 countries. During this event, the members were assigned a special session where they delivered a message emphasizing that "solidarity and education among youth can change the future of both young people and the planet," establishing themselves as global speakers.


SEVENTEEN will attend the appointment ceremony for Youth Ambassadors at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris on the morning of the 26th (5 PM KST, June 26). During this event, the members will meet with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, engage in discussions, and deliver an acceptance speech outlining their specific plans and thoughts on their new role.


Written by Mun Wan Sik
Translated by Lee So Yun