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.
Parliaments and the Next Generation: A Shared Agenda for Disarmament
Summary
The global security landscape is shifting as long-standing disarmament challenges converge with emerging risks driven by new technologies and rising geopolitical tensions. These dynamics amplify the need for transparent, responsible and people-centred approaches to security. This webinar, organised in partnership with the Strategic Concept for Removal of Arms and Proliferation (SCRAP) hosted by the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University of London, will examine how parliaments can strengthen their legislative, budgetary and oversight roles to address these evolving risks, integrate youth perspectives and expertise into national debates, and reinforce international cooperation on disarmament. It will highlight how meaningful engagement with young MPs and experts can help ensure that future security policies remain inclusive, forward-looking, and firmly grounded in peace, human rights and global stability.