K-pop Group Becomes First from Genre to Hold Prestigious Role

Courtesy of Pledis Entertainment

The 13-member K-pop boy band Seventeen has been appointed as Goodwill Ambassadors for Youth by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), marking the first time a K-pop group has been given this distinction. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Seventeen's agency, Pledis Entertainment.

Seventeen's appointment is attributed to their influence on young people globally and their continued sharing of growth narratives through music since their debut in 2015. UNESCO’s director general, Audrey Azoulay, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting Seventeen's role in inspiring and supporting youth worldwide with their music and positive energy. Azoulay noted the band's potential to deepen cooperation and empower youth to lead change and tackle contemporary challenges.
 

▲ Seventeen pose with Director General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay (center) during the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum held at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris in November 2023 / Courtesy of Pledis EntertainmentThe appointment ceremony will take place at UNESCO's headquarters in Paris on June 26. Seventeen will deliver an acceptance speech and meet with Azoulay to discuss their future activities in their new role.

UNESCO has a history of enlisting prominent figures as Goodwill Ambassadors, including tenor Placido Domingo, soccer star Vinicius Junior, and actor Rossy de Palma. Seventeen's involvement with UNESCO is not new. In August 2022, the group collaborated on the #GoingTogether campaign, aimed at emphasizing the importance of education. This initiative led to the establishment of community learning centers in East Timor and support for education in Malawi.

Additionally, Seventeen participated in the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum in Paris in November 2023, engaging with youth representatives from over 170 countries. During the forum, they led a session advocating for youth solidarity and education as means to shape the future positively.

Seventeen's music is known for its messages of resilience and unity, encouraging young listeners to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams. The band has also been involved in various charitable initiatives, contributing to their reputation for spreading positivity and making meaningful societal contributions.

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