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.
This webinar, co-hosted by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the International Peace Bureau (IPB), and the Principles for Peace Foundation (P4P) is set to equip parliamentarians with insights and practices for understanding of the Common Security approach and the Principles for Peace framework. Highlighting the importance of these approaches in (re)defining the shared fundamentals of peace building, conflict prevention, and international cooperation.
Presentations by Common Security experts and Principles for Peace practitioners will be followed by an interactive consultative discussion, allowing participants to share experiences, ask questions, and discuss opportunities for building and restoring trust, and shaping a new path for peace.