- ImpactWe help parliaments to become greener and to implement the Paris agreement.We support democracy by strengthening parliamentsWe work to increase women’s representation in parliament and empower women MPs.We defend the human rights of parliamentarians and help them uphold the rights of all.We help parliaments fight terrorism, cyber warfare and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.We encourage youth participation in parliaments and empower young MPs.We support parliaments in implementing the SDGs with a particular focus on health and climate change.
- Parliaments
Nearly every country in the world has some form of parliament. Parliamentary systems fall into two categories: bicameral and unicameral. Out of 190 national parliaments in the world, 78 are bicameral (156 chambers) and 112 are unicameral, making a total of 268 chambers of parliament with some 44,000 members of parliament. IPU membership is made up of 179 national parliamentsFind a national parliament
The Swiss National Council © The Swiss Parliament
We help strengthen parliaments to make them more representative and effective.. - Knowledge
Discover the IPU's resources
Our library of essential resources for parliamentsGlobal data for and about national parliamentsLatest data and reports about women in parliamentResolutions, declarations and outcomes adopted by IPU MembersRecent innovations in the way parliaments workThe latest climate change legislation from the London School of Economics' database
About us
The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments.
What began in 1889 as a small group of parliamentarians, dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue, has since grown into a truly global organization with 179 Members and 14 Associate Members.
The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.
Our slogan is: For democracy. For everyone.
Our vision is: We want a world where every voice counts, where democracy and parliaments are at the service of the people for peace and development.
Our mission is: The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments. We promote democratic governance, institutions and values, working with parliaments and parliamentarians to articulate and respond to the needs and aspirations of the people. We work for peace, democracy, human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment, climate action and sustainable development through political dialogue, cooperation and parliamentary action.
We are financed primarily by our Members out of public funds. Our headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland. We also have offices in New York, United States of America and Vienna, Austria.
Discover our Strategic Objectives
Discover the IPU Strategy 2022-2026
Discover our latest news, stories and statements.
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In this section
Strategic objectives The IPU’s five interconnected Strategic Objectives are designed to deepen the IPU’s impact. Objectives 1-3 emphasize strong democratic parliaments; Objective 4 focuses on global parliamentary action and interaction; and Objective 5 strengthens the IPU as a whole.
IPU governance is made up of different bodies with specific mandates and functions.
The IPU ensures that a parliamentary perspective is reflected in global governance. It bridges the gap between international commitments and national implementation.
The Statutes of the IPU contain the rules governing IPU bodies and the Secretariat, the IPU's financial regulations and the practical modalities of the rights and responsibilities of observers at IPU meetings.
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.
© IPU
We are deeply committed to the principle of men and women sharing responsibility and decision-making.
Frenchman Frédéric Passy (left) and Englishman William Randal Cremer created IPU out of a deep commitment to peace and dialogue - © FAO
The Inter-Parliamentary Union was created in 1889, in an era when there were no established means for governments, parliaments or MPs to work together internationally.