On June 25, Joshua represented SEVENTEEN as a UNESCO Youth Ambassador at the global youth support program event, "Going Together - For Youth Creativity & Well-Being," held at UNESCO's headquarters in Paris.
Dressed in a black suit, Joshua delivered a six-minute speech in English. He expressed his honor in being present, stating, "It is a great honor to stand here. The members wanted to join as well," and emphasized that SEVENTEEN and UNESCO share a belief in empowering youth to drive change.
"Going Together" is a program designed to provide resources, mentoring, and various opportunities for young people to transform their ideas into social change. The event celebrated the conclusion of a collaborative initiative between SEVENTEEN and UNESCO and announced plans for further support for outstanding groups.
Joshua remarked, "I have seen young people bring comfort through music and dance, care for their hearts through art, and build confidence through sports. No project has ever been accomplished alone."
He continued, "Young people are most aware of the challenges faced by their communities and have created solutions accordingly. Through all these experiences, I realized that youth already hold the answers to change the world; they just need someone to believe in them."
Reflecting on SEVENTEEN's journey, Joshua noted that the group has also grown through trust and solidarity. He shared, "Even the 13 members of SEVENTEEN, who have shared a dream for over ten years, have faced uncertainties. We have been able to move further with the belief that we grow stronger together through trust."
He added, "That is why we promised to continue moving forward as one team, and I could see that beautiful synergy in all of you."
Joshua emphasized that youth from different environments ultimately share the same goals. He stated, "We walk our own paths in different regions and cultures, facing various challenges. However, we are all on the same journey toward creating a better world. So let us continue to move forward together."
In 2024, when SEVENTEEN was appointed as UNESCO Youth Ambassadors, they donated $1 million to establish a Global Youth Fund. The fund supports projects aimed at enhancing youth confidence and resilience through music, art, and sports, developing creative youth communities, and improving mental health.
Last year, on World Youth Day, they further contributed $250,000 from a charity auction to continue their support.
Joshua concluded, "Through this journey, I realized that dreams exist everywhere in the world. They are dreams that need just a little encouragement and a whisper of belief. We want to be that little voice."
He promised, "We will continue to be with you in the ways we do best—singing and quietly cheering you on. Sometimes, we will shout that your dreams are precious."
Finally, he urged, "Do not let anyone, not even yourself, diminish your dreams. Let us continue to move forward together."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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