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Peace and security

Ukraine

The IPU was founded in 1889 as the first political multilateral organization in the world that encouraged countries to meet and mediate rather than resolve their differences through war. Throughout our history we have continued to provide a forum for parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue between nations. Both of the founders of the IPU as well as a dozen other leading IPU figures went on to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

We play a special role in countries emerging from conflict or in transition to democracy, helping to develop their parliaments as robust and democratic institutions that can heal national divisions. 

Disarmament is also crucial for peace. The IPU lobbies hard for a nuclear-weapons-free world and promotes the full implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1540 on preventing non-State actors from obtaining weapons of mass destruction.

Because war often affects women and youth disproportionately, we focus on peace and security in relation to these groups, based on UN Security Council resolutions 1325 and 2250.

We work with the United Nations, Interpeace, Parliamentarians for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament (PNND) and other organizations that share our commitment to peace.

IPU Members also have a dedicated Committee on Peace and International Security  that meets at every Assembly.

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We are founded on the premise that conflicts and differences should be settled through peaceful means, such as mediation and inclusiveness.
The growing threat of global terrorism has only heightened the need for disarmament and non-proliferation. Photo: ©Jonathan McIntosh/CCBY
We encourage, train and support parliaments and MPs in their important responsibility to act to ensure sustainable security for future generations.
Sri Lankan Catholics near a barricade at St. Anthony's Church where an explosion took place in Colombo, Sri Lanka on 27 April 2019. (Photo by Tharaka Basnayaka/NurPhoto)
The IPU brings a parliamentary response to countering terrorism and extremism conducive to violence, working in partnership with the United Nations.
Latest news and stories on peace-building
Press releases
ipu148

IPU Assembly to focus on pathways to peace through parliamentary diplomacy

The 148th IPU Assembly will be held in Geneva, Switzerland from 23-27 March 2024. This is the first time in almost six years that the IPU’s biannual Assembly will be held in Geneva. Hundreds of parliamentarians from around the world
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News in brief
middle east questions

Meeting of the IPU Committee on Middle East Questions

The IPU Committee on Middle East Questions held an extraordinary virtual meeting on 5 February 2024, against the backdrop of the protracted conflict in Gaza. The meeting, chaired by the President of the Committee, Mr. Hubert Julien-Laferrière of France, brought
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Press releases
ecosoc room

IPU and UN to focus on peace and security in annual hearing

New York, USA, 2 February 2024 Putting an end to conflicts: Prescriptions for a peaceful future , will be the theme of the 2024 Annual Parliamentary Hearing, a joint initiative between the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the President of the
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Statements
Rafah

IPU leadership statement on the humanitarian pause in Gaza

We applaud the humanitarian pause to the fighting in Gaza and the deal to release Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners. We hope the pause will alleviate the immense suffering of the people of Gaza and allow essential food, medicine and
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Peace and security
Latest publications on peace-building
Religion and belief play a significant role in our States and societies. Over 100 States refer to God in their constitutional or similar instruments, and religion and belief are often present in different branches of government or are interwoven into
One of the aims of United Nations Security Council resolution 1540 (2004) is to prevent non-State actors from accessing weapons of mass destruction. Unfortunately, the threats and risks that the resolution aimed to tackle 15 years ago are still present
Parliamentarians play a key role in the effective implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540. In the face of a growing and pervasive terrorist threat, which strikes unpredictably and indiscriminately, it is imperative to take the necessary measures to prevent
Peace and security
Related events
Virtual event
This webinar is set to equip parliamentarians with insights and practices for understanding of the Common Security approach and the Principles for Peace framework.
2023-09-27
Virtual event
Introduction and insights into the application of the concept of human security as a vital tool to respond to today’s complex and interlinked challenges
2023-06-27
Meeting
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Algiers
Algeria

Second thematic meeting of the Call of the Sahel. Meeting for parliamentary members of the IPU High-Level Advisory Group on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism and the Sahel countries.
2023-02-26
Peace and security