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 153rd Assembly of the IPU will take place in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, on 5-9 October 2026. All IPU statutory bodies, including the Governing Council, Standing Committees, Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians and Committee on Middle East Questions, as well as the Forum of Women Parliamentarians and the Forum of Young Parliamentarians, will meet on this occasion. The Governing Council will be invited to elect a new IPU President at its session in Arusha.
The General Debate will focus on the overall theme Enhancing good governance and empowering communities through inclusivity, trust and opportunities for all and provide a platform for delegates to deliberate, exchange views and galvanize parliamentary action in this area. The Assembly will adopt resolutions on the emergency item and on the subject item taken up by the Standing Committee on Democracy and Human Rights entitled Inclusive social development for all: Parliamentary strategies to promote the rights and empowerment of people living with disabilities. The Assembly is expected to conclude with the adoption of an outcome document on the overall theme of the General Debate.
Documents in Spanish (translation under the responsibility of the GRULAC Secretariat)
Documents
Election of the IPU President
The President of the IPU is the political head of the organization. The President chairs the IPU Governing Council and the Executive Committee, which in turn guide and monitor all aspects of IPU work. The President chairs IPU statutory meetings and represents the organization at global events. The next IPU President will be elected at the 153rd IPU Assembly for a three-year term. Below are the candidatures received to date.