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.
Speech delivered by Dionysia Avgerinopoulou, IPU Vice-President, at the Third Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform on 24 October 2024 in Riga, Latvia. "Your Excellencies, Speakers of Parliament, Honourable parliamentarians and colleagues, I am very honoured to address you
The IPU reaffirms its steadfast support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which delivers vital humanitarian aid, education, and health services to millions of Palestinians. UNRWA's mission is crucial in
In the lead-up to COP29, the UN Climate Change Conference, parliaments are focusing on actions they can take to advance climate finance — the economic engine that funds actions to limit rising temperatures and transition to a low-carbon future. This