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.
This IPU/IPEN Public Engagement Hub seminar will lead a reflection on how present parliamentary engagement can inform decisions that have implications for future generations. Didier Caluwaerts and Daan Vermassen will present their research, which outlines existing methods and possible new ways through which we can engage future generations. This includes today’s young people but also those generations yet to be born. The seminar aims to encourage parliaments to reflect on their practices and how these can be adapted to consider the impact on future generations.
Didier Caluwaerts (Associate Professor of Political Science, Vrije Universiteit Brussel) and Daan Vermassen (PhD researcher, Vrije Universiteit Brussel)