The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.
We help parliaments build peaceful and inclusive societies, fight terrorism and violent extremism and curb the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Nearly every country in the world has some form of parliament. Parliamentary systems fall into two categories: bicameral and unicameral. Out of 188 national parliaments in the world, 81 are bicameral (162 chambers) and 107 are unicameral, making a total of 269 chambers of parliament with some 44,000 members of parliament. IPU membership is made up of 183 national parliaments
Throughout the year, the IPU and its Members organize many events for parliamentarians to exchange good practices, acquire the latest information and identify avenues for action.
The IPU has been collecting data on parliaments since its inception in 1889, including information on women’s participation in politics since 1945. In this section, discover the IPU's knowledge bank for and about parliaments.
The need to eliminate all commercial and other forms of sexual exploitation of children and for the establishment of uniform laws to prohibit this indefensible violation of human rights of children (Supplementary item)
Safeguarding the status of the Holy City of Jerusalem and utilising all possible means likely to thwart manoeuvres which are prejudicial to its identity and gravely endanger security and the peace process in the area
Conservation of world fish stocks in order to provide an important source of protein and ensure the continued viability and economic stability of fishing around the world
Fighting terrorism, an international phenomenon which threatens democracy and human rights as well as international peace and security and which hampers development; measures needed on the national and international levels to prevent acts of terrorism ...
The international community in the face of the challenges posed by calamities arising from armed conflicts and by natural and man-made disasters: the need for a coherent and effective response through political and humanitarian assistance means and...
Parliamentary action for women's access to and participation in decision-making structures aimed at achieving true equality for women (Supplementary item)
International co-operation and national action to support social and economic development and efforts to combat poverty - Contribution of parliaments to the World Summit for Social Development (Copenhagen, March 1995)