Seventeen's Joshua delivers message of solidarity at UNESCO ceremony in Paris

"Let's keep going together."

Joshua, a member of K-pop group Seventeen, delivered a message of solidarity and trust to youth around the world.

Joshua attended the closing ceremony of the global youth support program "Going Together" on Thursday at the main hall of UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where he addressed young people worldwide with a message of solidarity and trust.

"The 13 members of Seventeen have shared one dream for more than a decade, and we too have passed through countless uncertainties," he said. "It was our deep trust in one another and the belief that we are stronger together that allowed us to go further — and we promised to keep walking forward as one team."

He then said he witnessed "the same beautiful synergy" in the young people gathered at the event. "Each of you is charting your own path from different regions and cultures, but because we share the same goal of making the world a better place, we are ultimately standing on the same road," he said. "So let's not stop — let's keep moving forward together."

Joshua took the stage as a representative of Seventeen, UNESCO's youth goodwill ambassadors. The ceremony marked the completion of "Going Together — For Youth Creativity & Well-Being," a global youth support project jointly led by Seventeen and UNESCO, and announced plans for expanded support for outstanding participant groups.

Joshua delivered a roughly six-minute speech in English. He opened by saying he was "deeply honored" to be there and that his fellow members were "with him in spirit," then recalled that when Seventeen was appointed youth goodwill ambassadors, the group and UNESCO shared the belief that young people are the driving force of change.

He described "Going Together" as "a platform that provides resources, mentoring and opportunities for young people to transform their brilliant ideas into real change." He added that he had been "deeply inspired by the passion and creativity of the youth" and that Seventeen had decided to expand its support to broaden the project's positive impact.

When Seventeen was appointed UNESCO youth goodwill ambassadors in 2024, the group donated $1 million to establish a World Youth Fund. The fund supported projects aimed at strengthening youth resilience through culture, arts and sports, building creative communities and promoting mental health. Last year, the group made an additional contribution from the proceeds of a charity auction held to mark World Youth Day.

Joshua cited "the potential of youth" as the most important lesson he took from the project. "This entire journey proves that young people already carry within themselves the answers to change the world," he said. "All they need is a steadfast supporter who believes in that potential. Every young person's dream matters."

Closing his remarks, Joshua again reflected on the growing pains Seventeen had shared with young people everywhere, underscoring the values of trust and solidarity. "As UNESCO youth goodwill ambassadors, we will always stay by your side in the way Seventeen does best," he said. "Sometimes through quiet encouragement, and sometimes by loudly declaring that your dreams matter — we will walk this road with you."

shee@heraldcorp.com