On Tuesday 19 March, the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the United Nations hosted a briefing by the UK Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, Dame Barbara Woodward.
Ambassador Woodward addressed members of the group and other parliamentarians in attendance about the UK’s involvement at the UN and spoke of the many issues and challenges currently facing the UN and the international community.
The Ambassador provided a wide ranging briefing on the work of the UK at the UN, including its proactive role on the UN Security Council and the welcome news that the UK has paid its annual contributions to the UN on time and in full. She addressed the challenges facing the work of the Security Council, and the Organisation more widely, not least the struggle for resources in the face of multiple crises.
Ambassador Woodward addressed two key areas of focus - Gaza and Ukraine - outlining the ongoing efforts in the Security Council and UN General Assembly. She also provided an overview of the ongoing challenges facing the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), including the current status of the investigation being carried out by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) as well as the independent inquiry being led by former French Foreign Minister, Catherine Colonna.
Looking forward, the Ambassador highlighted the upcoming Summit of the Future, outlining the UK’s priorities as well as an overview of the current negotiations.
In response to wide ranging questions from attendees the Ambassador also provided insight into the situation in Sudan and Afghanistan, the wider 2030 agenda, UN reform and the Veto Initiative, as well as the opportunities for parliamentarians and civil society to engage with the UK’s work at the UN.
Read more about UNA-UK's work on these topics:
- Israel-Palestine conflict and the need for a ceasefire
- Two year anniversary of the conflict in Ukraine
- Veto Initiative at the United Nations Security Council
Photo: Barbara Woodward (left at table), Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the month of July, chairs the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. Credit: UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe
