New York  - South African President Jacob Zuma said Wednesday that the end of apartheid in his country served as an example of the ability for cooperation on the global stage.

In his first speech to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Zuma said similar resolve should be shown to help end the global economic crisis, combat climate change and end poverty around the world.

"The role of the United Nations in the struggle to end apartheid is an exceptional example of the collective political will of the international community," he said. "It represented the victory of unity over division, of negotiation over confrontation."

Zuma called on wealthier nations not to let the economic crisis be an "excuse" to fall short on aid commitments to the poor. He said Africa had made improvements in ending conflicts on the continent over the past years, but pushed for more global support for peacekeeping efforts. (dpa)