- ImpactWe help parliaments to become greener and to implement the Paris agreement.We support democracy by strengthening parliamentsWe work to increase women’s representation in parliament and empower women MPs.We defend the human rights of parliamentarians and help them uphold the rights of all.We help parliaments fight terrorism, cyber warfare and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.We encourage youth participation in parliaments and empower young MPs.We support parliaments in implementing the SDGs with a particular focus on health and climate change.
- Parliaments
Nearly every country in the world has some form of parliament. Parliamentary systems fall into two categories: bicameral and unicameral. Out of 190 national parliaments in the world, 78 are bicameral (156 chambers) and 112 are unicameral, making a total of 268 chambers of parliament with some 44,000 members of parliament. IPU membership is made up of 180 national parliamentsFind a national parliament
The Swiss National Council © The Swiss Parliament
We help strengthen parliaments to make them more representative and effective.. - Knowledge
Discover the IPU's resources
Our library of essential resources for parliamentsGlobal data for and about national parliamentsLatest data and reports about women in parliamentResolutions, declarations and outcomes adopted by IPU MembersRecent innovations in the way parliaments workThe latest climate change legislation from the London School of Economics' database
Promoting inclusive and representative parliaments
A key success factor for democracy and strong parliaments is how representative and inclusive they are of all members of society including women, young people and marginalized communities.
How does the IPU promote inclusive and representative parliaments?
The IPU has been promoting gender equality and youth participation for decades. The IPU’s data and knowledge on women and youth in parliament are the authoritative sources for influential media outlets and academia.
The IPU monitors developments and emerging trends, identifies good practices and solutions, publishes the latest research, and facilitates knowledge sharing of parliaments’ various experiences when it comes to promoting women and young people in parliament.
The IPU also places special emphasis on the impact of parliamentary action on vulnerable groups in the areas of the SDGs, health and climate change.
© IPU