Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma says there is no one-size-fits-all solution in conflict prevention diplomacy, but that focus should be on elements that contribute to the prevention of the conflicts.
"These include cultural orientation, local preferences and local expertise in developing strategies aimed at preventive diplomacy," Zuma told the UN Security Council on Thursday.
For this to work, Zuma said it was essential that efforts by both the African Union and the numerous sub-regional organisations across the continent working on preventive diplomacy should be respected and supported by the UN and international community as a whole.
"Furthermore, there is an essential need for greater coherence, coordination and interaction between the various UN organs and other international organisations such as the International Financial Institutions," added Zuma.
African countries have the view that the UN does not give regional organs a chance to broker peaceful solutions when crises erupt. Instead, they feel their efforts are undermined.
Zuma called for the UN to support local and national conflict prevention mechanisms.
"These efforts can be executed without negating the important principles of national sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of states," he told the gathering.
Today, Zuma's next stop is Houston Texas, where he will receive an honorary doctorate from Texas Southern University (TSU).
The President is being recognised for his leadership, his support of education and the new partnership he has facilitated between South Africa, CAMAC International, University of Houston, Texas Southern University and the Jacob G Zuma RDP Education Trust.
According to his office, the visit to Texas is part of strengthening economic and educational ties with the United States of America.
He will launch a partnership for the Jacob Zuma RDP Educational Trust, which will benefit students in South Africa from poor households.
"President Zuma would like this partnership with the Trust to be the beginning of formal linkages at a higher education level between tertiary institutions in South Africa and the United States, to promote government's number one priority, education and skills development," the Presidency said.
There, he will also meet with the business community to promote trade and investment.
Many Houston companies are interested in exploring investments in the South African economy. To date, more than 354 Houston companies report doing business with South Africa. - BuaNews
