The Most Famous Actor in Hollywood

"Is that Matthew Horner?"

Seeing a tall young man standing at the podium, High Commissioner Guterres asked Philip Grand, "Our goodwill ambassador?"

Philip Grand immediately replied, "Yes, it's him."

Guterres nodded, "He looks great, mature, stable, and very reassuring."

In the circular conference room, several cameras followed Matthew, focusing instantly on him. Just like the cameras, most of the participants' eyes were also on him.

Many people were very curious about what this Hollywood star had to say.

Secretary-General Kofi Anan, an African himself, was particularly concerned about the refugee issues in Africa. As a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, he also hoped for fewer wars and refugees in Africa.

Just by standing on the podium, Matthew garnered a wave of attention.

Of course, standing here wasn't just about flaunting his looks; he needed to speak well to make an impression and elevate his status.

Matthew had limited cultural knowledge and a limited understanding of complex political situations. However, he was now very wealthy, and money could do a lot, such as obtaining an eloquent and high-profile speech suitable for the occasion.

He had already memorized the speech thoroughly.

He and Helen Herman had even discussed every gesture and expression in the speech, getting professionals to design it.

Matthew was prepared to showcase new heights at the United Nations conference.

So, as he stood at the podium, he didn't start speaking immediately. Instead, he put on a very serious and solemn expression, surveying the conference room from left to right like a national leader.

Representatives of the five permanent members of the Security Council, the President of South Africa, the Special Envoy of the East African Community, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, officials of the Refugee Agency, representatives of UNICEF, diplomats from various countries...

Each of these hundred people was a heavyweight, more significant than a Hollywood star.

But at this moment, they were just the ordinary audience of this high-profile show, destined to applaud and cheer for his personal performance.

With this mindset, Matthew naturally wouldn't be nervous or feel inferior.

"Mr. President, Mr. Secretary-General, Ministers and Special Envoys, ladies and gentlemen, good morning."

Matthew spoke slowly, with a steady tone, loud voice, and proper attitude, "I am very honored to stand here and call on everyone to pay attention to the refugee issue in Africa."

He got straight to the point, "Because as we stand here, millions of Africans don't even have a place to stand. Their homes have been destroyed, and they are displaced, wandering from one place to another."

The entire conference room was solemn, with no other sound except Matthew's speech.

Matthew had no notes; everything was memorized, "There are now over five million people in Africa forced to leave their homes, more than at any time in the past century. This makes us concerned about world peace and security. The insecurity is growing too fast. Are we unable to stop or reverse this trend?"

No one answered this question, nor did Matthew need an answer. He continued, "It is time for us to face this honestly. It's time to address the refugee issue in Africa head-on!"

His voice gradually became pained, "Imagine if it were you, holding your child, and the world you know has collapsed... If you were fleeing from terrible war and brutality, there's no price you wouldn't pay, no wall you wouldn't climb, no ocean you wouldn't cross, no border you wouldn't pass!"

Matthew suddenly intensified his tone, "We must act! There is no other way!"

Many African foreign ministers and officials, hearing Matthew's urgent plea, greatly increased their goodwill towards him.

Philip Grand, looking at Matthew on the podium, was so satisfied that he gave a thumbs-up. No wonder he was a top Hollywood star; his acting skills were extraordinary.

He believed choosing Matthew Horner was a very wise decision.

"Last year, I had a fifteen-person team who went to many places in Africa to understand the refugee situation." Under Helen Herman's suggestion, Matthew had been sponsoring a medical team in Africa since the year before, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, which gave him a nominal team. "They brought back a lot of shocking information."

Matthew's face showed sorrow, "They met a mother in an Angolan refugee camp who can tell you what it feels like when your little daughter is forcibly taken away from your family and made into a slave by armed men!"

"Hara, one of six orphans living in a tent in Eritrea, can tell you what it feels like to bear the responsibility of supporting and raising your siblings at the age of eleven because her mother died in the conflict, and her father was captured and went missing."

"Motwiti, a doctor from Libya, whose wife and three-year-old daughter were shot dead by armed men. He can tell you what it feels like to lose loved ones in despair, trying to keep your loved ones safe in a war zone."

Hearing the names and stories Matthew mentioned, whether out of sympathy or not, everyone's faces were heavy, seemingly infected by Matthew's powerful speech.

Matthew's voice was powerful, "More than five million African refugees are victims of conflicts they did not participate in. Yet, they are labeled as burdens abandoned by people."

His tone gradually softened, "Studies show that African refugees take at least thirty years to return home. Now, the number of displaced refugees in Africa is higher than ever. Millions of refugees lack adequate food, proper shelter, let alone education. Given the current situation, those who have no way out see no hope of returning home and have to cling to the last hope, the United Nations, even at the risk of their lives."

Standing at the podium, Matthew loudly called for the black brothers in Africa. Since this was a show, he had to perform to the best of his ability.

"So today, I stand here to speak for them because this is also their United Nations! Here, all countries and all people are free and equal, all equally strong and full of power!"

Applause suddenly erupted without any warning and grew louder and louder, as if everyone agreed with Matthew's views.

Waiting for the applause to subside, Matthew continued, "The United Nations' purpose is to prevent and resolve conflicts, to unite countries to seek diplomatic solutions and save lives. However, in the conflict outbreaks in many African countries, we have not implemented this purpose. The responsibility for conflicts lies with the warring parties. But the crisis is exacerbated because the severe division in the international community has not been stopped by the Security Council, which has not effectively fulfilled its duties."

Touching on such highly political topics, Matthew quickly withdrew after a brief mention, once again calling, "This is the time we should face honestly. We should candidly discuss the major issues we are about to face. Because our world is not doing well at all! This world is not united enough! We must change, and we must change now! Today, our most important task is to address the refugee crisis! We should never forget why granting refugees basic rights is such an important matter."

Not far from the Thornton International Conference Center, Charlize Theron was watching the live broadcast of the conference in her luxurious apartment.

Seeing Matthew's powerful performance on the podium and hearing his heartfelt appeal, she felt that this guy's acting talent was not bad at all, definitely surpassing her current level.

"After this conference, when the video of this speech spreads..." Charlize Theron murmured, "I bet Matthew will earn widespread praise from the media and the public."

She shook her head. When it came to putting on a show, Matthew was definitely top-notch in Hollywood.

The TV again broadcast Matthew's voice, "Although we are not strong enough, although we realize how fragile we are, today, the United Nations is considered a place where people can seek refuge."

In the Thornton Conference Center, Matthew's speech had reached its final stage, "If today, in the eyes of those men and women coming to Africa, the United Nations still represents a glimmer of hope, a safe haven, this is something we should be proud of rather than fear."

Matthew felt he had mastered the rhythm very well. This was definitely his best performance since entering Hollywood.

He continued, "Although there are various differences among the member states of the United Nations, we still enjoy a wealthy and stable life! We have the ability to help those fleeing war, terror, and oppression! I know many will say: Well, but we can't help everyone."

After saying this, he deliberately paused. When most people looked over, he continued, "Yes, we can't help all the poor people in the world. But let's be honest: the number of displaced African refugees today is unprecedented, but compared to those of us enjoying wealth and stability, they are still a tiny proportion!"

Matthew concluded, "The refugee crisis is so severe, and the road is long. We can show the courage to move forward as humans and uphold the values we believe in. We still have a long way to go, but when future generations read this part of history, I hope they read that we stood shoulder to shoulder and helped those in need of protection!"

As he finished, thunderous applause erupted in the Thornton Conference Center, lasting for a long time.

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