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Structure and governance

IPU governance is made up of different bodies with specific mandates and functions. Find out more about these individual entities and how they work through our interactive organigram below. Click here for the composition of the bureaus of the Standing Committees and other IPU bodies. The Statutes and Rules of the IPU are also available here

High-Level Advisory Group on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism Forum of Women Parliamentarians Bureau of Women Parliamentarians Forum of Young Parliamentarians

In this section

President

Our President is the political head of our institution. He/she directs our activities, chairs full meetings and acts as the IPU representative at global events and gatherings.

Assemblies

Our Assembly, the only global forum of MPs, brings together parliamentarians to drive change on issues on the international agenda.

Governing Council

The Governing Council is our administrative and policy-making body. Its meetings are usually held during our twice-yearly Assemblies.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee oversees our administration and makes recommendations to our Governing Council on various matters.

Secretary General

The Secretary General, as the Chief Executive of the Organisation, manages the IPU and is accountable to the Governing Council. Working with the President, the Secretary General plays a critical role in defining and implementing the IPU’s strategic direction under the supervision of the Executive Committee.

Secretariat

The Secretariat is at the heart of our organization, and carries out our daily work to promote and strengthen democracy across the world.

Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments

The ASGP brings together Secretaries General and other senior office holders in charge of parliamentary services.

Budget and finance

Our work to promote peace and democracy is financed mainly by our Members and Associate Members out of public funds. We also receive a growing amount of income from donors, including governments, development agencies, UN bodies and foundations.

Statutes and policies of the IPU

The Statutes and Rules of the IPU is the main governance document of the IPU. They set out the rules which govern the IPU and its main bodies including financial regulations and practical modalities for IPU meetings.