K-pop powerhouse Seventeen has made waves again — this time off stage — with a mind-blowing $250,000 donation to UNESCO on International Youth Day. This powerful act strengthens the Seventeen UNESCO donation legacy, proving their commitment to empowering young leaders worldwide.
On August 12, Seventeen, through their agency Pledis Entertainment, announced a $250,000 contribution to UNESCO’s Global Youth Grant Scheme. This scheme supports youth-led initiatives in areas like education, sustainability, arts, and culture. The money came from the “JOOPITER presents: sacai x Seventeen” charity auction, a dazzling collaboration with Japanese fashion label Sacai 2025 and Pharrell Williams’ JOOPITER platform. Limited-edition jackets, autographed T-shirts, Labubu collectibles, and Yoon Ahn–designed necklaces were all sold for this cause.
This summer’s auction wasn’t just fashion — it was a cultural moment. Seventeen members personally helped design items, infusing them with the group’s creativity. Every dollar raised was channeled directly to UNESCO’s youth programs, setting a new benchmark for artist-led philanthropy. UNESCO 2025 confirmed the funds will be transparently managed through established youth networks.
Since June 2024, Seventeen has proudly served as UNESCO’s first Goodwill Ambassador for Youth. They pledged $1 million to launch the “Going Together – For Youth Creativity and Well-Being” program, which has already supported 100 youth-led community projects globally.
Their partnership began in November 2023 when Seventeen became the first K-pop group to speak and perform at the 13th UNESCO Youth Forum in Paris. Their heartfelt speech and electrifying performance captured global headlines, cementing their role as advocates for young voices.
Joshua, speaking for the group, reflected on their journey: “We have grown by expressing the colorful moments of youth through music,” he said, underlining why International Youth Day held deep meaning for them.
UNESCO’s scheme funds leaders aged 18–30 tackling real-world challenges. With Seventeen’s donation, more innovators will have the tools to transform their communities.
Funds will be allocated through established grant-selection committees, ensuring they reach the most impactful youth-driven initiatives worldwide.
Beyond philanthropy, Seventeen is gearing up for their “Seventeen World Tour [NEW_]” starting September 13–14 in Incheon, then heading to Hong Kong, the U.S., and Japan. Their reach is truly global — on stage and in service.
Carats, Seventeen’s devoted fandom, have responded with an outpouring of support, organizing parallel fundraising drives to complement the group’s efforts.
This act isn’t a one-off — it’s part of a growing legacy. As Seventeen expands their global influence, their Seventeen UNESCO donation proves they are as committed to social change as to chart-topping hits.
By 2026, this donation could help launch dozens of new youth-led projects worldwide, directly impacting thousands of lives.
Year | Seventeen-UNESCO Activity | Impact |
---|---|---|
2023 | Speech & performance at UNESCO Youth Forum | Global attention to youth issues |
2024 | $1M pledge & Goodwill Ambassador role | 100 community projects funded |
2025 | $250K donation on International Youth Day | Expansion of Global Youth Grant Scheme |
Q1. What is the Seventeen UNESCO donation used for?
A. It funds youth-led projects tackling education, sustainability, and arts globally.
Q2. How did they raise the funds?
A. Through a charity auction with Sacai and JOOPITER.
Q3. When did Seventeen become a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador?
A. June 2024.
“Seventeen’s partnership with UNESCO is a model for how cultural icons can drive global change.” — Cultural Diplomacy Scholar, Dr. Lee Min-kyu