Created in 2013, the Global South Unit for Mediation (GSUM) is an initiative of the Institute of International Relations (IRI) of the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), through the BRICS Policy Center (BPC). Aimed at developing active participation by actors from the Global South in conflict resolution and international mediation processes, the Unit was established as an institutional space for discussion of the interaction between academics, diplomats, government officials and non-governmental actors interested in processes of promotion, maintenance and consolidation of peace, with emphasis on Latin America. In academic terms, GSUM aims to produce and disseminate critical knowledge in the field of Peace and Conflict Studies.

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, GSUM specifies a set of teaching, research and extension activities, including an exhibition, open classes, courses, workshops and a Dialogue Cycle with four meetings. These activities brought together national and international researchers and undergraduate and graduate students from different universities.