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.
IPU Parliamentary Forum at the UN High level Political Forum on Sustainable Development 2025
Jul222025
New York,
United States
The annual HLPF at the UN offers a unique opportunity to review progress toward the SDGs together with ministers, experts and civil society representatives.
The IPU is the global organization of parliaments. It was founded in 1889 as the first multilateral political organization in the world, encouraging cooperation and dialogue between all nations. Today, the IPU comprises 181 national Member Parliaments and 15 regional
As part of the IPU's climate campaign Parliaments for the Planet, Jacqueline Amongin, member of parliament from Uganda and Secretary General of the African Network of Parliamentarians on Climate Change discusses the impact of climate change in Uganda and the East African region.
The Tai a Kiwa: Stronger Pacific Parliaments programme is an initiative of the New Zealand Parliament’s Office of the Clerk. The programme aims to enhance the capacity and capability of MPs and staff, foster inter-parliamentary relations in the Pacific region
End-of-year message from the IPU leadership In a year marked by the highest number of countries in conflict since World War II, the IPU theme of the year – peace and security – resonated strongly, aligning with the founding values
IPU Global Conference of Women Parliamentarians in 2025
Mar132025
-
Mexico City,
Mexico
The Conference will provide an exciting new platform for women members of parliament to get together, exchange experiences, learn from each other, and define common and innovative strategies to advance gender equality and women’s rights and empowerment.
As part of the IPU's climate campaign Parliaments for the Planet, Franz Fayot, member of parliament from Luxembourg discusses the impact of climate change in Luxembourg and shares how parliaments can address climate change.