SEVENTEEN’s Joshua to speak at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris

Joshua of K-pop group SEVENTEEN is heading to the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris to deliver a speech centered on youth around the world.

According to The Asia Business Daily, Joshua's agency Pledis Entertainment announced on Tuesday, June 16, that the 30-year-old will take part in the event “UNESCO x SEVENTEEN: Celebrating Youth, Creativity and Well-Being Together” as a UNESCO Youth Goodwill Ambassador. AllKpop reported that his speech will focus on youth empowerment, creativity, and solidarity.

The event is part of “Going Together — For Youth Creativity & Well-Being,” a global initiative developed through the partnership between SEVENTEEN and UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization). Representing the group, the Korean-American singer will share a message of encouragement for young people worldwide.

It will also mark the second anniversary of SEVENTEEN’s appointment as UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors for Youth and the launch of the Global Youth Grant Scheme’s 2026 Scale-Up Phase, which will provide enhanced support to 10 outstanding project leaders to expand their initiatives.

UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany and other officials are expected to attend the celebration, which will also be livestreamed on the organization's official YouTube channel.

SEVENTEEN has continued to expand its collaboration with UNESCO through a range of youth-centered projects. In November 2023, the group made history as the first K-pop act to lead a special session at the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum.

The partnership has also included major philanthropic efforts. Following its appointment as UNESCO Youth Goodwill Ambassadors in 2024, SEVENTEEN contributed $1 million USD (about ₱60.3 million) to launch the Global Youth Grant Scheme, which supports initiatives that help young people develop their potential through music, arts, sports, community development, and mental health programs.

SEVENTEEN has also supported youth communities through charitable efforts, including donating proceeds from a charity auction held in celebration of International Youth Day last year.