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 44,000 members of parliament. IPU membership is made up of 180 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.
Every year, the G20 strengthens its work by engaging with various stakeholder groups who draft recommendations to G20 governments and contribute to the policymaking process.
As the representatives of the people and of all interests in society, the parliaments of every G20 member need to be actively engaged in this influential gathering of global leaders.
Parliaments can and should provide a substantive contribution to G20 deliberations alongside civil society, and the private sector among other constituencies of the G20.
Building on the success of past P20 meetings, the IPU and the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia will jointly host the Eighth G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20) on 6 and 7 October 2022 (preceded by Parliamentary Forum on October 5th), prior to the G20 Leaders’ Summit.