The IPU, as the global organization of national parliaments, helps bridge the gap between international commitments and their national implementation.
As a result, the IPU has a number of strategic partnerships with other multilateral organizations, notably the United Nations. The IPU has had Permanent Observer Status with the UN since 2002.
Through its offices in Geneva, New York and Vienna, the IPU works closely with most of the UN bodies and agencies, especially in the areas of climate action, democracy, human rights, gender equality, youth participation, peace and security and the sustainable development goals.
The IPU brings a parliamentary voice to UN mechanisms or treaties such as the Paris Agreement on climate, the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, the Human Rights Council or the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women.
The IPU helps to makes sure that the work of the UN is informed by the views of parliamentarians, as representatives of the people. It also helps parliaments translate UN processes or treaties into action - through laws, budgets and oversight of government commitments.
As well as the United Nations, the IPU works with other multilateral partners by, for example, organizing parliamentary meetings during major global events such as the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference or the G20.
The IPU Committee on UN Affairs facilitates greater understanding of UN processes and work, and brings the voice of parliamentarians to UN policy makers.