BTS have addressed the United Nations to deliver a speech of encouragement, strength, and hope.

Earlier today (20 September), the global pop group attended the 76th UN General Assembly in New York. Introduced by South Korean President Moon-Jae In as the "artist most loved by the world," the GRAMMY-nominated act also showcased a pre-recorded performance of their smash hit, 'Permission To Dance'.

In their speech, the 'Dynamite' act delivered a message of optimism and light: "I hope we don’t just consider the future as grim darkness. We still have many pages in our story, and we shouldn’t talk as if the ending is already written.”

With over 1 million viewers tuned in to UN's YouTube livestream, the group also shared their own stories - of how they're making the best of the moments that they have now, taking on new challenges, and moving forward in the future. The BTS members also touched on important global issues like global warming, and the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

BEST MOMENTS OF #BTSatUNGA SPEECH

"There were times during the past two years when I too felt bewildered and troubled, but still, we had people who cried out "let's live on, let's make the best of this moment" @BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/fIfWyArWc0

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) September 20, 2021

"It was a time for us to mourn, for the things that #COVID19 took away from us, a time to discover how precious each and every moment we had taken for granted was "@BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/4tssOnOX9v

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) September 20, 2021

"I learned that there are many young people interested in environmental issues and choose it as their field of study.
The future is unexplored territory, and that's where we more than anyone will spend our time. And they are searching for the answers" pic.twitter.com/wdVD7JeD94

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) September 20, 2021

"Sometimes it feels like the world is stuck in place. It feels like if you've lost your way. There was a time when we felt the same way" @BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/GDZijiQ4Op

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) September 20, 2021

"In these pictures, you can see there are kids that are trying to learn new things... They are not lost, they are finding new courage and taking on new challenges" @BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/WtE8W2vkhK

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) September 20, 2021

"If we believe in possibilities and hope, even when the unexpected happens we won't lose our way, but discover a new one"@BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/FIdY5GW039

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) September 20, 2021

We thought the world stopped but it continues to move forward, I believe that every choice that we make is the beginning of change, not the end. I hope that in this... new world we can say to each other: "Welcome".@BTS_twt pic.twitter.com/zQ68lCCGZC

— UN News (@UN_News_Centre) September 20, 2021

Aside from their own narratives, BTS shared stories sent in by their fans from all over the world - in pictures and drawings - as part of the 'Youth Today, Youth Stories' initiative by the UN.

Your participation made this speech possible.
We were thrilled to have the honor of telling the world the stories of #YouthToday together with you.
We will always be by your side.#YourStories are just beginning.#BTS #방탄소년단 pic.twitter.com/hdNF2QY6jA

— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) September 20, 2021

This comes as the group's first duty as the newly appointed Presidential Special Envoy For Future Generations and Culture. 

As part of their new role, BTS will represent and advocate for the younger generation and important issues that concern them, while simultaneous raising young people's awareness of international issues. 

[#오늘의방탄] UN SDG Moment with #BTS
새롭게 시작되는 세상에서, 모두가 서로에게 ‘Welcome’이라고 말해주길💜 #문화특사소년단 #방탄소년단 #BTSARMY #YouthToday #YourStories #PermissiontoDance pic.twitter.com/eE5XhIFaRR

— BTS_official (@bts_bighit) September 20, 2021

The 'Butter' act previously addressed the UN in 2018 and 2020, where they continued to advocate for self-love and solidarity amongst young people.

Watch BTS' speech at the 76th UN General Assembly here. 

Watch BTS perform 'Permission To Dance':