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.
Dorji Khandu, MP from Bhutan, on how to encourage young people to run for parliament. He was speaking at the 140th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, held in Doha, 6-10 April 2019. Watch other interviews from the 140th IPU Assembly
Silvia Monica Dinica, MP from Romania, on the barriers preventing women from running for office. She was speaking at the 140th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, held in Doha, 6-10 April 2019. Watch other interviews from the 140th IPU Assembly
Juan Pablo Letelier, MP from Chile, on the human rights of parliamentarians and on what we need to do on climate change. He was speaking at the 140th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, held in Doha, 6-10 April 2019. Watch