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.
The IPU is seeking to recruit a consultant or a consultancy firm to assist with the documentation on parliamentary practices and lessons learnt since the SDGs came into force.
Under the supervision of the Manager of the Gender Partnership Programme, the consultant will assist in coordinating global projects and partnerships, including research projects, coalitions and the organization of global events. The consultant will also carry out outreach work and other tasks as required.
On 30 June, the IPU and its Member Parliaments will mark the International Day of Parliamentarism with a number of events focusing on youth empowerment following the recent launch of the IPU campaign I Say Yes to Youth in Parliament!
Which is the oldest parliament in the world? And the newest? Which chambers have the most women parliamentarians? And how many parliamentarians are there in the world? Watch this 1-minute video to find out more about parliaments on International Day
Paris Generation Equality Forum- Parliaments Act for Equal
Jul022021
On the occasion of the Paris Generation Equality Forum, the IPU, in partnership with the French National Assembly and Senate, will be holding a side event on the theme Parliaments Act for Equal.
The Consultant will assist the IPU, and specifically its Gender Partnership Programme, in the publication, launch and dissemination of the regional study on sexism, harassment and gender-based violence experienced by women members of parliament and parliamentary staff in African countries.
On the eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict on 19 June, the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (OSRSG-SVC), Under-Secretary-General Pramila Patten, Special Representative of the Secretary -General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG-SVC), and Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the IPU signed a new Framework of Cooperation Agreement.