The event was organised by the Global South Mediation Unit (BRICS Policy Centre), Centre for Mediation in Africa (University of Pretoria) and SwissPeace, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The conference was an opportunity to be part of a discussion on current trends, developments and challenges of international mediation. This is particularly important in the context of understanding the relevance of AU processes and mediation. Gustavo de Carvalho presented a paper titled: “Linking Mediation Efforts to Structural Conflict Prevention: The Role of the African Union”.