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.
Ukraine

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.

Explore peace and security
Soldiers

Conflict prevention, peacebuilding and reconciliation

We are founded on the premise that conflicts and differences should be settled through peaceful means, such as mediation and inclusiveness.
Read more
missile
The growing threat of global terrorism has only heightened the need for disarmament and non-proliferation. Photo: ©Jonathan McIntosh/CCBY

Disarmament and non-proliferation

We encourage, train and support parliaments and MPs in their important responsibility to act to ensure sustainable security for future generations.
Read more
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)

Countering terrorism and violent extremism

The IPU brings a parliamentary response to countering terrorism and extremism conducive to violence, working in partnership with the United Nations.
Read more
Latest news and stories on peace-building
IPU President, Tulia Ackson
18/09/2024

IPU President Tulia Ackson's statement on the occasion of International Day of Democracy and Peace Day

Read more
Voices and videos
bangladesh
10/09/2024

IPU equips parliamentarians with new tools for peace and security

Read more
Press releases
What if a new way of looking at security could help prevent conflicts?
10/09/2024

What if a new way of looking at security could help prevent conflicts?

Read more
Voices and videos
ukraine
22/07/2024

Statement on the war in Ukraine by the IPU Executive Committee

Read more
Statements
Olympics
10/07/2024

Going for gold: Meet five Olympic parliamentarians

Read more
News in brief
Peace and security
Latest publications on peace-building
Toolkits

Human security and common security to build peace

With every passing month, our world becomes more violent and dangerous. After a decline in the 1990s and early 2000s, the number of conflicts around the world has been growing – and no region has been left untouched. These conflicts
Read more
Reports

Parliamentary report on religion and belief

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
Read more
Reports

Engaging parliaments of the Pacific region in the implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1540

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
Read more
View all publications
Peace and security
Related events
Virtual event

Peace and democracy: Can ballots replace bullets?

An online conversation between experts and parliamentarians to bridge International Day of Democracy (15 September) and International Day of Peace (21 September).
Read more
Sep172024
Virtual event

Shaping a New Path for Peace

This webinar is set to equip parliamentarians with insights and practices for understanding of the Common Security approach and the Principles for Peace framework.
Read more
Sep272023
Virtual event

Human security and parliaments

Introduction and insights into the application of the concept of human security as a vital tool to respond to today’s complex and interlinked challenges
Read more
Jun272023
Peace and security