Despite being a founding member state of the United Nations Guatemala entered the United Nations Security Council in 2012 as a non-permanent member for the first time. Guatemala’s desire to be a member of the Council was based on the conviction that the country was ready to share the responsibility of participating in fundamental decisions with regard to world peace and security. It brings to the Council the knowledge of the promotion of peace processes – acquired through its own experience – and its belief in the effectiveness of United Nations’ peace-building and democratization support. Human rights – as one of the cornerstones of Guatemala’s internal and external policies – will play a prominent role during Guatemala’s term on the Council.