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.
Webinar: Building back better: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance the role of parliaments in disaster risk reduction
Summary
14.00 – 15:15 CEST
Watch the webinar here
In the context of the IPU campaign, Parliaments in time of a pandemic, the IPU is partnering with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) in the organization of a series of webinars for parliamentarians and parliamentary staff.
Following the first webinar on COVID-19 pandemic preparedness and response, this webinar will present – from a parliamentary perspective – country experiences of managing the COVID-19 pandemic and the implications for developing and implementing disaster risk reduction strategies to build back better by engaging with sectors beyond health. The webinar will provide an opportunity for peer learning with a view to strengthening risk governance through enhanced engagement of parliaments and parliamentarians.
Speakers:
Mr. Saber Chowdhury, Honorary President, IPU; Member of Parliament, Bangladesh
Dr. Richard John Brennan, Regional Emergency Director, Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office, World Health Organization
Ms. Bernadette Wuyatta Songa, Member of Parliament, Sierra Leone
Mr. Andries Gryffroy, Senator, Belgium
Ms. Ana Belén Marin, Member of Parliament, Ecuador