- 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
Building effective and empowered parliaments
Democracy needs strong parliaments and parliamentarians that are able to effectively exercise their mandates, represent the people and defend their human rights and interests, make decisions based on independent and credible information, and scrutinize government action.
How does the IPU support effective and empowered parliaments?
The IPU works to ensure that MPs are able to work freely and safely despite the threats they may face. The IPU will defend any MP who is in danger through the IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians.
The IPU helps parliaments build their capacity by, for example, facilitating exchanges between different countries, organizing workshops and providing technical support using the Common Principles for Support to Parliament.
The IPU often works in countries emerging from conflict or crisis to help peace and security efforts which are essential for development. The IPU supports parliaments to take national action on climate change and the SDGs.
The IPU also leverages its rich collection of data, expertise, publications and research to set standards to empower parliaments.
©Parliament of Norway