With increasing globalization, citizens all over the world feel left behind. Parliamentarians are representatives of the people and therefore have a critical role in bridging the gap between citizens’ expectations and global governance. Since their first World Conference in 2000, the Speakers of Parliament have consistently noted that IPU is called upon to provide a parliamentary dimension to international cooperation.
We are committed to increasing parliaments' role in global affairs, helping to overcome the democratic deficit in international relations, and ensuring that international commitments are translated into national realities.
IPU's strategic partnership with the United Nations ensures a parliamentary voice is heard in global decision-making processes. That partnership is underpinned by our renewed cooperation agreement and biennial resolutions of the UN General Assembly.
We bring a parliamentary component to global talks, including through the Annual Parliamentary Hearings at the United Nations. We help mainstream global commitments into the day-to-day work of national parliaments and support parliaments in their vital role of holding governments to account in implementing multilateral agreements.
Our Committee on UN Affairs facilitates greater understanding of UN processes and work, and brings the voice of parliamentarians to UN policy makers.
We also work with the World Trade Organization (WTO) through an ongoing process that IPU and the European Parliament launched in 2003. The Parliamentary Conference on the WTO brings a parliamentary contribution to WTO-led trade negotiations and promotes greater transparency and accountability in the work of the organization.