The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.
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 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.
The Cremer-Passy Prize, named after the IPU’s founders, William Randall Cremer and Frédéric Passy, is awarded every year to sitting parliamentarians who make an outstanding contribution to the defence and promotion of the IPU’s objectives, as well as those ”who contribute to a more united, peaceful, sustainable and equitable world.”
In 2022, the inaugural prize was exceptionally awarded to two nominees, one woman and a group led by a man, to underscore the importance of gender equality at the IPU. Ms. Cynthia Lopez Castro of Mexico, and the Chairman and all the Members of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine were awarded the prize at the 145th IPU Assembly in Kigali, Rwanda.
In 2023, the second edition of the prize was awarded to the former Speaker of the Tuvalu Parliament, Mr. Samuel Teo, in recognition of his outstanding work on climate action, linked to the theme of the year and the IPU’s climate campaign Parliaments for the Planet.
All nominations for the 2024 edition should go through the IPU’s six geopolitical groups who should submit one candidate from their region with a second nomination as an alternate.
The geopolitical groups should fill in the submission form and provide a cover letter setting out the reasons why the parliamentarians deserve the award.
The forms and letters should be sent to [email protected] by 30 April.
This year, in line with the overall theme of the year, the winning parliamentarian or group of parliamentarians should have an exceptional record when it comes to peace and security.
The prize will be awarded at the second IPU Assembly of the year in October 2024.