Pretoria - South Africa's first ever term as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) drew to a close on 31 December 2008, with some important milestones having been reached.
Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma highlighted recently that not only did South Africa revitalise and prioritise the issue of the African agenda, but also sought to create an environment of reconciliation through dialogue.
"The Security Council was a useful platform for intensifying the work South Africa had already undertaken in conflict resolution in Sudan, Cote d'Ivoire, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo [DRC] and elsewhere.
"One of the primary achievements was helping to revitalise the debate on the relationship between the UN and regional organisations and enhancing co-ordination between the UN and the African Union [AU]," the minister said.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, South Africa's central strategic objective was to help advance the African agenda, but it also actively engaged on all issues on the Security Council's agenda pursuant to the global mandate associated with Council membership.
South Africa in its time on the UNSC achieved leadership positions, for example as lead nation on Timor-Leste and head of a key UNSC mission to Africa.
South Africa's membership of the UNSC was influenced by its own national experience and desire to assist countries to emerge from conflict, and in its interventions, South Africa sought to help create an enabling environment in which the parties themselves might achieve reconciliation through mutual dialogue.
Respect for international law and multilateralism was the foundation upon which South Africa conducted itself within the council and saw these values as the most appropriate means to achieving global, political and economic stability and security.
"South Africa forged partnerships with council and non-council members from across the so-called North-South divide on important matter, such as Security Sector Reform, the non-proliferation of light weapons and gender mainstreaming," the minister said.
Speaking at a briefing earlier in 2008, Foreign Affairs Chief Director for UN Political Affairs Xolisa Mabhongo said: "We will be looking into what we can do to enhance the relationship between the UN and other regional organisations, in particular the AU."
Mr Mabhongo added that the UNSC had invited the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) to meet in New York on 16 April 2008, to strengthen co-operation.
In April 2008, South Africa took the reins as head of the UNSC and was therefore responsible for helping to prepare the agenda of the council for the month, chair the meetings of the council, and act as the official contact point for UN members, media and civil society.
