Seventeen members host special session at the 13th Youth Forum as the first K-pop group to speak at UNESCO headquarters.
(ANN/KOREA HERALD) — K-pop sensation Seventeen took the spotlight at the UNESCO Youth Forum, addressing a global audience at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris.
The multinational group became the first K-pop act to speak at UNESCO’s main hall. Wearing sleek black suits, twelve members shared personal stories of overcoming challenges and emphasised the power of unity and collaboration.
Seventeen’s special session, part of the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum during the biennial General Conference, featured members from different countries expressing themselves in various languages.
Seung-kwan shared his journey from Jeju Island, emphasising the dream of becoming a K-pop star that brought him to the UNESCO stage.
Jun, who grew up in Shenzhen, China, recalled the initial challenges of language barriers and being a child actor. He highlighted the support of Seventeen members and the shared dream that unites them.
Reflecting on their success, Woozi acknowledged early skepticism about having 13 members and their young age at debut. Despite critics, Seventeen embraced their youth as a strength, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.
Seventeen, formed in 2015, gained global popularity for their energetic performances and positive messages.
The group’s commitment to teamwork and shared decision-making allowed them to overcome obstacles and develop a unique identity. The members also engage in philanthropy, supporting children in Tanzania since 2016.
The UNESCO Youth Forum appearance resulted from Seventeen’s partnership with UNESCO’s Korean National Commission.
The “GoingTogether” campaign, launched in 2022, focuses on education awareness. The band expressed their dedication to improving educational infrastructure in underdeveloped countries and pledged to serve as UNESCO ambassadors.
In English, Joshua conveyed the band’s commitment to positive change and urged global youth to learn and grow together.
The group concluded their address with Vernon reciting lyrics from their songs, emphasising unity and shared journeys. A special music video for “God of Music” and a live performance capped off Seventeen’s appearance at UNESCO.
