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
The Second Parliamentary Conference on Interfaith Dialogue: Strengthening trust and embracing hope for our common future will take place from 19 to 21 June 2025 in Rome, Italy.
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.
Member events for International Day of Parliamentarism in 2024
Join us in celebrating International Day of Parliamentarism and the IPU’s 135th anniversary on or around Sunday 30 June 2024!
The IPU was founded on 30 June 1889 by a small group of parliamentarians who believed that parliamentary dialogue and diplomacy were a better way of settling differences than war.
135 years later, the IPU is the parliament of parliaments, a thriving international organization made up of 180 national parliaments and open to all 46,000 parliamentarians in the world.
This year, with a world at war, the IPU’s foundational values have never been so relevant. That’s why we are asking you to mark this milestone in your parliament.
Three things you can do to celebrate the day:
Complete this sentence: “IPU - 135 years of ….” and share the video clip on your digital and social media
Organize an event in your Parliament on or around 30 June on the value of parliamentary diplomacy.
Let us know what you planned on or around 30 June 2024 so that we may amplify your efforts in our communications to the global parliamentary family. Your feedback can be sent to [email protected] .
This page will list the information that we have received about parliamentary events.
The Council of the Nation published a statement on the eve of International Day of Parliamentarism.
Asian Parliamentary Assembly
The Secretary General of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly extended their best wishes to the IPU on the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism, conveying a message of appreciation to the founders of the IPU for their dedicated efforts, while underlining the role of a responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision- making system to the people at all levels.
Arab Parliamentary Union
Mr. Brahim Boughali, the President of the Arab Inter-Parliamentary Union, issued a statement commemorating the IPU's 135th anniversary. The President acknowledged the tireless efforts of the IPU to promote mutual understandings between nations and contribute positively to issues of peace, security and sustainable development.
Azerbaijan
During her speech at the last session of the 6th Convocation of the Milli Majlis held on June 28, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova pointed out that the International Day of Parliamentarism is celebrated annually upon the decision of the United Nations General Assembly. She also mentioned that Azerbaijanis could be proud of their rich traditions of Parliamentarism.
Both the Council of Representatives and the Shura Council celebrated the International Day of Parliamentarism 2024 with both Speakers publishing statements in the press and on social media to mark this significant day. A special television episode and radio programme featuring MPs from both councils was aired, discussing the significance of the International Day of Parliamentarism.
Belarus
The National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus sent their congratulations to the IPU on the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism, reiterating that parliaments play an important role in promoting constructive dialogue and de-escalating tensions in inter-state relations.
Mr David McGuinty, President of the IPU Committee on United Nations Affairs, intervened in the Canadian House of Commons, during Statement by Members, to celebrate the International Day of Parliamentarism and the IPU’s 135th anniversary.
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, addressed the importance of parliaments which, in her words, are the cornerstone of democracy, in a video from the European Parliament for 2024's International Day of Parliamentarism.
The Parliament of Fiji published a statement on their website acknowledging the importance of celebrating parliaments annually on the International Day of Parliamentarism and emphasising that the role of parliamentary diplomacy is crucial for building bridges towards peace and understanding between nations.
The President of GRULAC (IPU Group of Latin America and the Caribbean), Ms. Sofía Carvajal from Mexico, shared a video with the IPU acknowledging the International Day of Parliamentarism. Ms Carvajal emphasised that since its creation in 1889 the IPU has served as a pillar in the promotion of peace, international cooperation, parliamentary democracy and human rights, gender equality and sustainable development. She renewed GRULAC's commitment to the objectives of the IPU and reaffirmed determination to continue to work together to build a better future for all.
The National Assembly of the Lao PDR hosted an evening reception on July 1 in Vientiane to commemorate the International Day of Parliamentarism. Themed "Parliamentary Diplomacy: Building Bridges of Peace and Understanding", the event served as a reminder of the vital role that strong, effective parliaments play in advancing sustainable development and peace.
Maldives
On the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism, the People’s Majlis Secretariat held a panel discussion on "Parliament's Role in Promoting Good Governance" with Maldives National University featuring a former and current MP, an academic, and a civil society representative. Panelists shared insights on the pivotal role of parliaments in ensuring transparency and accountability, and the importance of public participation in parliamentary work.
To mark the International Day of Parliamentarism, the Parliament of Nepal held a celebration on June 30 to enhance, educate and inform parliamentary democracy, and express Nepal's solidarity with initiatives of the IPU at the global level, including the Parliaments4thePlanet campaign. A tree planting and distribution of food to the elderly also took place.
Video messages commemorating the day were shared by Rt. Hon. Dev Raj Ghimire, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nepal and Rt. Hon. Narayan Prasad Dahal, Chairperson of the National Assembly.
Nicaragua
The Division of Parliamentary International Relations of the National Assembly of Nicaragua sent their esteemed congratulations to the IPU on the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism. Nicaragua held activities under the slogan: "Legislating for Peace, Stability, Common Welfare and Self-Determination of our Peoples" to mark the day.
Paraguay joined celebrations of the International Day of Parliamentarism by issuing a declaration from the Honorable Chamber of Deputies for the 135th anniversary of the foundation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
Parlatino
The President of the Latin-American Parliament (PARLATINO), Rolando González Patricio, commemorated the International Day of Parliamentarism with a message to the IPU, acknowledging the vision of IPU's founders, Cremer and Passy. Mr González Patricio reflected on the great ongoing contribution of the IPU in the face of contemporary global challenges.
Peru
The President of the Inter-Parliamentary Delegation of Peru, Ms Maria del Carmen Alva, shared a video with the IPU commemorating the International Day of Parliamentarism and renewing a commitment to human rights and the rule of law. She emphasised that parliaments represent the voice of the people and in a global context, the IPU unites parliaments from all over the world to facilitate dialogue and cooperation.
The Congress of the Republic of Peru held a panel discussion on June 28 addressing the essential role of parliaments in modern democracies and exploring ways to strengthen parliamentary institutions in a globalised world.
Poland
On the occasion of 2024's International Day of Parliamentarism, the Polish Senate passed a resolution commemorating the International Day of Parliamentarism and the 135th Anniversary of the IPU. The resolution stressed the importance of parliamentarism at a time when societies are losing confidence in political institutions. To maintain democracy, parliaments must be strong, transparent, accountable and representative.
On 11 June, the Shura Council of Qatar organized a seminar on the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism. The seminar highlighted the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening relations between countries, addressing global crises and challenges, and promoting peace and understanding among peoples.
On the occasion of 2024's International Day of Parliamentarism, the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation shared its compliments to the IPU and encouraged the strengthening of parliamentary dialogue as a way to work towards more peaceful and mutually beneficial relations among nations.
The Assembly of the People's Representatives of the Republic of Tunisia expressed pride in membership of the IPU in advance of the International Day of Parliamentarism and emphasised the pivotal role of the IPU in adding a parliamentary dimension to international cooperation.
The Speaker of the Senate of Uruguay, Beatriz Argimón, stressed that the International Day of Parliamentarism 2024 was particularly important for parliamentary democracy, as people are losing confidence in political institutions and democracy itself faces challenges from populist and nationalist movements. For democracy to thrive, parliaments must be strong, transparent, accountable and representative.
Uzbekistan
H.E. Ms. Tanzila NARBAYEVA, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, sent her formal congratulations to the IPU on the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism, stressing that parliaments play a leading role in protecting democracy and human rights and improving people's lives.
The Speaker of Parliament, Mr Jacob Mudenda, shared a video with the IPU on the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism praising its commitment to multilateralism.
