Performing at the UNESCO Youth Forum, SEVENTEEN Addresses the Need for ‘Togetherness’

In a press release issued for the event, SEVENTEEN emphasized the value of youth solidarity with a stirring speech and a musical set at the UNESCO Youth Forum in Paris on November 14. The attendees included representatives from the 194 Member States of UNESCO, 170 youth delegates, Audrey Azoulay, the Director-General of UNESCO, Gabriela Ramos, Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences, and Dr. Han Kyung-koo, Secretary-General of the Korean National Commission for UNESCO.

Speakers for the session were Seungkwan, Jun, Woozi, Mingyu, Joshua, and Vernon. They shared how becoming SEVENTEEN as a collective empowered them to accomplish objectives they had only imagined as individuals. Additionally, they pledged to continue fostering youth aspirations globally.

In his opening remarks, Seungkwan said, “I, along with the other members of the group, would like to take this time to share with all the young people of the world the importance of nature, the value of striving for a better future, the importance of education, and our personal stories of how we have grown closer to our dreams, one step at a time.”

Jun in an emotional address, recalled how the group had come together for a shared dream in 2012, despite hailing from different hometowns and speaking different languages. “From the day we met in 2012 to today, each day has led me to have complete faith in the following truth. ‘As long as we’re together,’ I’m not afraid of failure. I can’t do it alone, but all 13 of us can do it together. We share a dream.”

“Each of us had our own strengths, whether it was in our vocals, performances, or hip-hop. And as we learned from each other and came together as one, SEVENTEEN’s identity began to take shape. Our group’s unique approach to teaching and learning from each other and having fun while we are at it was our own special way of growing,” stated Woozi.

As they went, Mingyu said that they want to make sure that the youth never give up on their dreams or get discouraged, no matter who they are or where they’re from. “We think that by encouraging people to pursue their goals, we are also fostering optimism and hope.” “We have already experienced what it’s like to make your dreams come true by coming together in solidarity for positive change. We hope that our actions through UNESCO will reach young people everywhere who are fostering, reaffirming, and acting on their dreams, even as we speak,” added Joshua.

Wrapping up the speech, Vernon introduced the songs in parts they’d performed at the event that highlighted their messages and the story of their growing together through their music. The set encompassed “_WORLD”, “Darl+ing”, “Headliner”, “God of Music”, and “Together”. Check out the full speech and live performance below.

Further in the press release, it was reported that PLEDIS Entertainment, UNESCO, and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU) signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding ahead of the forum, which signifies a global expansion of their current partnership. In August of last year, SEVENTEEN and KNCU jointly launched the “#GoingTogether” campaign as supporters of youth programs and education.

Since then, several projects have been launched, including a fundraising campaign with SEVENTEEN’s fans on International Day of Education last January and contributing a share of the earnings from their global tour SEVENTEEN World Tour [Be The Sun] for grants to provide education for children in Malawi. Prior to collaborating with UNESCO, SEVENTEEN made an annual donation to children’s organizations and charities on the anniversary of their debut in 2017.

Throughout their career, SEVENTEEN has unwaveringly brought hope to the forefront and gained notoriety. Their last album, FML, which set a record for becoming the best-selling K-pop album ever, served as an exceptionally notable manifestation of this. Their most recent album SEVENTEENTH HEAVEN is a musical celebration of what the band and its fans have accomplished together thus far. As part of their ongoing effort to raise awareness of hope and happiness achieved through togetherness, SEVENTEEN extends a call to all to partake in these shared happy moments via the record.