- Our impactWe help strengthen parliaments to make them more effective and representative.We 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 create the global space for parliamentary diplomacy, dialogue and networking.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.We bring a parliamentary dimension to United Nations processes to ensure international commitments become national realities.
- Parliaments
Every country in the world has some form of parliament. Parliamentary systems fall into two categories: bicameral and unicameral. Out of 193 countries in the world, 79 are bicameral and 114 are unicameral, making a total of 272 chambers of parliament with over 46,000 members of parliament. IPU membership is made up of 179 national parliaments. Discover the world's nationalFind 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 parliamentsYour one-stop-shop for data for and about national parliamentsLatest data and reports about women's participation in politics
Gender equality at a glance
Women account for half the world’s population yet most parliaments are dominated by men. With a global average of only 24% of women parliamentarians, equality is still a long way off and current progress is far too slow.
Download the factsheet to get a one-page overview of what the IPU does on gender equality. (Bilingual: English, French)
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About the IPU
- About us
- Genesis of the IPU
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Structure and governance
- President
- Assembly
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Governing Council
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- Group of Facilitators for Cyprus
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- Statutes and Rules of the IPU
- Gender-equal IPU
- Association of Secretaries General of Parliaments
- The 130th Anniversary
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