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.
Parliament's role in strengthening health security preparedness: the International Health Regulations panel at the Global Health Security Conference
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Singapore
Summary
The Global Health Security Conference 2022 will bring together representatives from academia, local, national and international governmental and non-governmental organizations, public and animal health and security professionals, and the private sector from around the world to discuss challenges that impact global health security.
As part of the Conference programme, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are organizing a panel discussion entitled “Parliament’s role in strengthening health security preparedness: the International Health Regulations”. The session aims to position parliaments as a key actor for health emergency preparedness; present strategies and examples of how parliaments can drive the translation of international obligations on global health security into the national level; and discuss how to strengthen multisectoral action and partnerships among emergency preparedness stakeholders.
The IPU and WHO jointly published a handbook for parliamentarians with practical guidance on leveraging legislative, oversight and budgetary functions for the implementation of the International Health Regulations. The handbook will inform parliamentary decisions and actions on global health security and will support the development of parliaments’ capacities at the national level.
* The IPU cannot facilitate or sponsor participation in the Global Health Security Conference 2022.