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.
11th IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians- Uniting generations for gender equality
Sep112025
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Municipalidad Metropolitana de Lima,
Peru
With gender equality taking centre stage worldwide, the Eleventh IPU Global Conference of Young Parliamentarians will focus on how both young and more senior MPs can unite to accelerate progress on advancing equality between men and women.
As part of celebrations taking place around the world, the IPU marked International Day of Parliamentarism and the Organization’s 136th anniversary at a special event in Ancient Olympia, Greece. Hosted by Dr. Dionysia-Theodora Avgerinopoulou, a member of the Hellenic Parliament
The IPU regrets to announce that Mr. Sergio Páez, former President of the IPU and a distinguished Chilean parliamentarian, died on 2 July 2025 at the age of 92, after a long illness. Sergio Páez served as IPU President from