By Charles Audouin
Video = UNESCO

The boy band SEVENTEEN has been appointed UNESCO's inaugural Goodwill Ambassador for Youth.

The organization on June 11 said all 13 members of the act will attend on June 26 a ceremony at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. There, they will meet UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and deliver an acceptance speech on their activities and impressions.

Since August 2022, SEVENTEEN, along with the Korean National Commission for UNESCO, has conducted the Going Together Campaign to stress the importance of education to youth around the world. This initiative has led to the construction of two learning centers in East Timor and provision of educational support to Malawi.

At the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum in Paris at the organization's headquarters in November last year, the group delivered the message that solidarity and education among young people can transform the future of youth and the planet.

Director-General Azoulay said, "SEVENTEEN and UNESCO share the same commitment to empowering young people to drive change and address the challenges of our century. They also inspire and support young people around the world with their music and positive energy."

"Following several successful joint actions, I wanted our partnership to take on even greater strategic importance. On June 26, I will be delighted to welcome the 13 members of the group into the family of UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors."

caudouin@korea.kr