The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.
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 46,000 members of parliament. IPU membership is made up of 181 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.
High-level Seminar on the Universalisation of the Biological Weapons Convention in Africa
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IPU HQ
Geneva,
Switzerland
Summary
To raise awareness on the universalization of Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) in Africa, the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) will host a high-level seminar at the IPU Headquarters in Geneva, welcoming delegates from African countries that have yet to join the convention. The BWC, the first treaty banning an entire class of weapons of mass destruction, remains vital to global peace and security. Participants will examine parliamentarians’ role in bringing their nations into the treaty and engage with UNODA, depository governments, and regional peers to strengthen cooperation. This seminar will offer a unique platform to discuss accession or ratification and further disarmament efforts.