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.
To celebrate the 130th Anniversary of the International Peace Bureau, the IPB and the IPU are co-organizing a seminar to showcase the current work being done by both organizations on the issues of climate change, disarmament, democracy, and the balancing of human security and common security.
Echoing the IPB appeal released during the 2021 World Peace Congress and reviewing the outcomes of the 142nd IPU Assembly and of the recently concluded 143rd IPU Assembly - this event will discuss the global challenges and the threat posed to peace and security around the world and gather a panel of experts and parliamentarians to give us their insights into the work of these organizations, as well as re-imagine what the future of peace will look like.
Highlighting the shared commitment to peace both organizations hold, this event will include interventions on the importance of organizational peace efforts on the international scene.
The event will be held virtually on zoom in English with simultaneous translation in French and Spanish.