The UK diplomat said 2021 has been a year of big transnational challenges, such as COVID-19, climate change, and conflicts in Myanmar, Sudan or Afghanistan, which resulted in a very heavy agenda for the Security Council. 

She said the strength of the Security Council is that it brings a variety of perspectives and members try and reach agreement through views that they share and through their differences.

“And in all of these crises, I think we have managed to come together, working very, very closely with Vietnam,” Woodward said.

Woodward noted she wanted to pay tribute to Vietnam, because the country has worked on issues which are important, but often underlying so looking at the role of women in peace and security work, protecting civilians who are threatened by conflict or taking action against mines and land mines. 

The ambassador said it has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with Vietnam on the Security Council, adding that the really good news is that Vietnam will continue to work on these important issues in the General Assembly and in the many UN committees.