On 2 May 2025, I had the privilege of delivering the opening keynote address at the inaugural United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Model United Nations China — UNSMUN China — in Guangzhou. Officially backed by UNITAR, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, this was the very first event of its kind in the region. A genuinely historic moment.

I’ll be honest about the logistics: it was nearly a six-hour round trip from Zhuhai. I mention that not to seek credit for showing up, but because I want to be clear about something: when young people invest their time and energy in learning about peace, diplomacy, and international cooperation, the adults around them have a responsibility to show up too. That journey was absolutely worth it.

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The following is the full text of my keynote address:

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Good afternoon everyone,

It’s an incredible honour to be here with you today at the opening of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Model United Nations China, the very first of its kind in this region officially backed by UNITAR. To be part of something historic, surrounded by brilliant young minds from across the country, and indeed the world, is both humbling and deeply inspiring.

Let me begin with a little of my own story.

My name is Mark Clayton. I’m originally from the United Kingdom. I first came to China when I was just 20 and a half years old, to have a gap year with my dad who was living in Guangzhou at the time. I was ambitious but had no real idea of what lay ahead. I didn’t have a roadmap. What I had was curiosity, a deep interest in different cultures, and the hope that I could do something meaningful.

That was over 20 years ago.

In that time, I’ve had the privilege of building a career here in China as an entrepreneur, business leader, and someone committed to making a difference. I’m currently the CFO of C2W, a British manufacturing group, and serve as the Chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in South China.

But beyond titles and business, and perhaps most relevant to you today, is that I am someone who believes — with all his heart — in the power of purpose, community, and youth.

What truly defines my purpose is my dedication to giving back.

In 2011, I founded a social enterprise focused on helping children in need right here in South China. Since then, we’ve raised over $450,000 USD, all transparently, to support vulnerable youth — from providing educational resources to underprivileged school children and orphans, to tuition programmes for children living with autism, to creating safe spaces where they can thrive. I remain proud to still serve today as Chairman of that organisation.

In 2019, for this work, I was proud to receive the UN China Social Impact Award for Community and Culture, given to the company that had done the most towards three powerful Sustainable Development Goals:

• Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

These three goals are not just ideals to strive for. They are necessities — and they are alive here today, in this room, in you.

And it’s that belief in community, in social responsibility, and in young people that brings me here to you today.

On peace.

Peace is something every nation claims to desire, yet it remains one of the most elusive goals in our world. Peace is more than the absence of war. It is the presence of understanding, of dialogue, of empathy.

In today’s volatile world, marked by conflict, misinformation, division and fear, your role as future diplomats, leaders, and changemakers is crucial. You are not just studying peace as a concept; you are learning to practise it — through debate, negotiation, and cooperation across cultures.

I have lived in different countries and led diverse teams, and I’ve learned this: peace doesn’t come from power. It comes from listening. It comes from caring. And it starts not in conference rooms, but in our hearts, in our classrooms, and in our communities.

Peace is not a lofty dream. It is a real, actionable state that can be achieved when people choose understanding over aggression, compassion over judgment, and dialogue over conflict. Each of you here will face decisions in your lives that will require you to be the peacemaker. That’s not always the easy path, but it is always the right one.

On hope.

Hope is what moves mountains. Hope is what inspires revolutions, discoveries, and art. But too often, hope is seen as naïve — something for children or dreamers.

Let me tell you this: it is not naïve to dream.

In fact, hope is the most strategic and powerful act that you can commit to.

I know this because I’ve lived through moments where things felt difficult. Times when I’ve had big personal setbacks when I was young, times when economies have collapsed, and times when the news seemed full of darkness. But it’s in those times that people with hope — people like you — matter the most.

Hope isn’t a feeling, it’s a choice. A decision to believe that tomorrow can be better, and that your actions today matter.

Every great leader, every great change in history, began with someone who dared to imagine a better world.

So hold onto your hope. Let it be your fuel. When others say, “it’s too hard” or “it can’t be done,” be the voice that says, “let’s try anyway.”

Your dreams are valid. Your passion is powerful. And the world needs you to hope.

On globalisation and partnership.

You are here today, representing different countries, speaking different languages, with diverse experiences. That is not just beautiful — it’s powerful.

In an era where some seek to close borders, you are learning how to build bridges.

Globalisation is often criticised, sometimes rightly so. But true cooperation across borders — internationalisation — is how we solve the issues of the day: climate change, war, poverty, and the pursuit of peace.

I’ve seen the very best of global collaboration. At C2W, we work with partners and clients across continents. And yet, our success doesn’t come from deals — it comes from understanding. It comes from respect and integrity. It comes from finding shared goals in different worldviews.

This Model United Nations is a simulation, yes — but more importantly, it’s a mirror of how the real world works. Or how it should work.

By participating in this conference, you are embodying the very essence of Goal 17 — Partnerships for the Goals. And remember: diplomacy isn’t about winning debates. It’s about finding solutions together.

I’ve come here today from Zhuhai — nearly a six-hour round trip — not just to give a speech, but to invest in you, the future.

Whether you become diplomats, engineers, teachers, or entrepreneurs — what matters is that you carry your values with you.

And never forget: there is no greater calling than helping others. Than helping your country. Than helping our shared world.

Each of you, through this Model United Nations, are taking your first steps toward that calling.

So speak boldly. Listen deeply. Collaborate passionately.

And never, never give up on peace, on hope, or on each other.

Thank you — and I can’t wait to see the world you will help create.

谢谢你们，加油！

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🔗 UNITAR — United Nations Institute for Training and Research 🔗 Come Together Community 🔗 Connect with me on LinkedIn

Mark Clayton FCMA CGMA CPA KOR — Group CFO, C2W Group | Chairman, British Chamber of Commerce South China | Founder, Come Together Community