'Never let anyone belittle your dream': Seventeen's Joshua renews pledge to youth at Unesco
Speaking in Paris, Seventeen’s Joshua told young people they already hold the answers to change the world as the group expanded its Unesco-backed global youth initiative.
Seventeen's Joshua speaks during the "Unesco × Seventeen: Celebrating Youth, Creativity, and Well-Being Together" event in Paris on June 25.EPA/YONHAP
Two years after being named Unesco's youth ambassador, Seventeen member Joshua returned to the podium to reaffirm the group's commitment and tell young people they "already have the answers to change the world."
Joshua addressed attendees at the "Unesco x Seventeen: Celebrating Youth, Creativity and Well-Being Together" event held at Unesco headquarters in Paris on Thursday, speaking on behalf of all 13 members of Seventeen.
He noted that the group "realized that there are dreams everywhere" through the partnership with Unesco, and added they want to be the "small voice that says, 'We believe in you.'"
"We will sing, we will whisper, and sometimes we will shout out to remind you that your dreams matter," he added. "They matter to you, they matter to the world, and they matter deeply to us, Seventeen."
Since being appointed Unesco Goodwill Ambassador for Youth in June 2024, Seventeen has worked with Unesco to support youth-led initiatives around the world. The group donated $1 million to establish the Global Youth Grant, helping launch the "Going Together — For Youth Creativity and Well-Being" program that funds global youth-led projects in music, arts, sports and mental health.
The initiative has supported 100 youth-led projects across 64 countries. It will now expand as it enters its scale-up phase.
"Deeply moved by their passion and creativity, we knew we couldn't stop there," said Joshua. "We expanded our commitment to help scale these efforts and support an even greater impact."
He also applauded youth participating in the initiative, many of whom attended the event, saying their achievements demonstrated the power of collaboration and community-led solutions.
"Young people already have the answers to change the world," he said. "They just need someone to believe in them."
Joshua from Seventeen, left, and Unesco Deputy Director-General Asa Regner attends the "Unesco × Seventeen: Celebrating Youth, Creativity, and Well-Being Together" event in Paris on June 25.EPA/YONHAP
While acknowledging that challenging oneself isn't easy, he also drew parallels between the participants' experiences and Seventeen's journey. The group had also overcome uncertainty and challenges together, during more than a decade as a team.
"Through those experiences, we learned that growth is never achieved alone," said Joshua. "It thrives on trust and the belief that we are stronger together."
Joshua noted that although members have pursued individual and unit activities, those experiences have strengthened the group as a whole. The same spirit was reflected in the youth leaders' work, with participants from different countries tackling different challenges while contributing to a shared goal.
Concluding his remarks, Joshua reiterated Seventeen's pledge to continue supporting young people through music and advocacy.
"As we said at our appointment ceremony, never let anyone, including yourself, belittle your dream," he said. "Wherever your journey takes you next, remember, Seventeen is right here."
Seventeen debuted in 2015 under Pledis Entertainment. It consists of 13 members: S.Coups, Jeonghan, Joshua, Jun, Hoshi, Wonwoo, Woozi, DK, Mingyu, The 8, Seungkwan, Vernon and Dino. The band is known for its songs "Very Nice" (2016), "Clap" (2017) and "Super" (2023).
