Recognising the need for a more professional approach to mediation, in 2006 the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs established the Mediation Support Unit (MSU) within the Policy and Mediation Division (PMD) and, within the Unit, created the Standby Team of Senior Mediation Advisers. With the goal of supporting relevant actors to achieve a just and sustainable peace through the pacific settlement of disputes, the unit engages in and supports a wide range of operational support activities, the development of mediation policy and guidance and building the mediation capacity of UN and non-UN partners.