The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.
We help parliaments build peaceful and inclusive societies, fight terrorism and violent extremism and curb the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Nearly every country in the world has some form of parliament. Parliamentary systems fall into two categories: bicameral and unicameral. Out of 188 national parliaments in the world, 81 are bicameral (162 chambers) and 107 are unicameral, making a total of 269 chambers of parliament with some 44,000 members of parliament. IPU membership is made up of 183 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.
Background The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), with its 137 years of history and its status as the oldest international political organization, has, over time, built up an exceptionally rich archival collection. Its archives contain documents, images and various materials covering the
Dozens of lawmakers, IPU and World Health Organization (WHO) officials and other stakeholders from around the world gathered in Geneva on 20 May 2026 for the Global Parliamentary Forum, held on the sidelines of the 79th World Health Assembly. The
As part of the IPU series 'A conversation with...', we interview parliamentarians and experts from all over the world to find out who they represent and what motivates them. In this edition, we speak to Sharon Claydon, Deputy Speaker of
In 2025, the National Assembly of Zambia became the latest parliament to implement the IPU’s I Say Yes to Youth in Parliament! campaign. Work began in 2021 when the Speaker signed up to the campaign, followed by the creation of
As part of the IPU series 'A conversation with...', we interview parliamentarians and experts from all over the world to find out who they represent and what motivates them. In this edition, we speak to Meri Disoski, a member of
“Gender equality isn’t just a women’s issue, it requires everyone’s leadership,” said Nomin Chinbat, an MP in Mongolia’s State Great Hural (Parliament). “By working together, we are increasing the number of women in leadership and decision-making roles, building a more