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.
A briefing on the latest scientific insights following the March 2023 release of the IPCC Synthesis Report and how this can inform the discussions at COP28.
An overview of COP28, including the main topics expected to be addressed by Parties, as well as an introduction to the Global Stocktake process.
By raising the awareness of parliaments on the key climate science and on COP28, the aim is that they will be able to play a stronger role in their countries’ dialogues on climate change and better equipped to raise national climate ambition going into the negotiations.
Find out more about the IPU’s campaign to mobilize parliaments to act on the climate emergency.