- ImpactWe help parliaments to become greener and to implement the Paris agreement.We support democracy by strengthening parliamentsWe work to increase women’s representation in parliament and empower women MPs.We defend the human rights of parliamentarians and help them uphold the rights of all.We help parliaments fight terrorism, cyber warfare and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.We encourage youth participation in parliaments and empower young MPs.We support parliaments in implementing the SDGs with a particular focus on health and climate change.
- Parliaments
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 parliamentsFind a national parliament
The Swiss National Council © The Swiss Parliament
We help strengthen parliaments to make them more representative and effective.. - Knowledge
Discover the IPU's resources
Our library of essential resources for parliamentsGlobal data for and about national parliamentsLatest data and reports about women in parliamentResolutions, declarations and outcomes adopted by IPU MembersRecent innovations in the way parliaments workThe latest climate change legislation from the London School of Economics' database
A woman places carnations into shields of anti-riot policemen. © Reuters / Vasily Fedosenko
Peace and security
We help parliaments fight terrorism, cyber warfare and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
The IPU was founded in 1889 as the first political multilateral organization in the world that encouraged countries to meet and mediate rather than resolve their differences through war. Throughout our history we have continued to provide a forum for parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue between nations. Both of the founders of the IPU as well as a dozen other leading IPU figures went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize.
We play a special role in countries emerging from conflict or in transition to democracy, helping to develop their parliaments as robust and democratic institutions that can heal national divisions.
Disarmament is also crucial for peace. The IPU lobbies hard for a nuclear-weapons-free world and promotes the full implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1540 on preventing non-State actors from obtaining weapons of mass destruction.
Because war often affects women and youth disproportionately, we focus on peace and security in relation to these groups, based on UN Security Council resolutions 1325 and 2250.
We work with the United Nations, Interpeace, Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament (PNND) and other organizations that share our commitment to peace.
IPU Members also have a dedicated Committee on Peace and International Security that meets at every Assembly.
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We are founded on the premise that conflicts and differences should be settled through peaceful means, such as mediation and inclusiveness.
The growing threat of global terrorism has only heightened the need for disarmament and non-proliferation. Photo: ©Jonathan McIntosh/CCBY
We encourage, train and support parliaments and MPs in their important responsibility to act to ensure sustainable security for future generations.
Sri Lankan Catholics near a barricade at St. Anthony's Church where an explosion took place in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 27 April 2019. (Photo by Tharaka Basnayaka/NurPhoto)
The IPU brings a parliamentary response to countering terrorism and extremism conducive to violence, working in partnership with the United Nations.
Latest news and stories on peace-building
Statements
24/11/2023
We applaud the humanitarian pause to the fighting in Gaza and the deal to release Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. We hope the pause will alleviate the immense suffering of the people of Gaza and allow essential food, medicine and
Statements
04/11/2023
We are deeply concerned by the escalation in fighting in Gaza. We are increasingly worried by the rising death toll in the West Bank We are horrified by the unprecedented extent of casualties on both sides and the immense human
Statements
12/10/2023
The IPU is increasingly alarmed by the unfolding catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. We reiterate our utter condemnation of any violence against civilians. The acts of terror committed by Hamas have done nothing to help the Palestinian people
Statements
09/10/2023
The IPU is following with great concern the fighting in Israel and the Gaza Strip. We strongly condemn the attacks by Hamas against Israeli towns and are concerned by reports that citizens have been taken hostage. We offer our deepest
News in brief
30/05/2023
The IPU and the International Centre for Interdisciplinary Science and Education (ICISE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that aims to bridge the gap between the worlds of science and policy by facilitating exchanges between parliamentarians and the scientific
Peace and security
Latest publications on peace-building
Religion and belief play a significant role in our States and societies. Over 100 States refer to God in their constitutional or similar instruments, and religion and belief are often present in different branches of government or are interwoven into
One of the aims of United Nations Security Council resolution 1540 (2004) is to prevent non-State actors from accessing weapons of mass destruction. Unfortunately, the threats and risks that the resolution aimed to tackle 15 years ago are still present
Parliamentarians play a key role in the effective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540. In the face of a growing and pervasive terrorist threat, which strikes unpredictably and indiscriminately, it is imperative to take the necessary measures to prevent
Peace and security
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Peace and security