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.
Third South Asian Speakers’ Summit on Achieving the SDGs
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Colombo Sri Lanka
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The Third South Asian Speakers\' Summit on Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is being organized by the IPU and the Parliament of Sri Lanka in Colombo (Sri Lanka) on 11 and 12 July 2018. It will be followed by a half-day field visit on 12 July.
The Summit will follow up on the conclusions of the second Summit of Speakers in Indore (India) and the first Summit held in Dhaka (Bangladesh). It will aim to further discuss how parliaments can be a development actor promoting the effective implementation of the SDGs. Special emphasis will be placed on the promotion of sustainable industrialization policies which can support the creation of decent work for all men and women, including for young people and people with disabilities. The Summit will also allow the participants to discuss ways in which regional cooperation among parliaments can eradicate forced labour, promote social protection as well as safe and secure working environments for all workers.
The Summit is intended for Speakers of Parliament from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Wednesday, 11 July 2018
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Opening Ceremony in Parliament / Group photo: Welcome remarks by H.E. Mr. Ranil Wickermesinghe, Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka, and Ms. Gabriela Cuevas Barron, IPU President
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Tea
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Tour of Parliament
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Leave for Hotel Hilton for lunch/ Lunch
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Plenary session: Follow up to the Indore Declaration
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Tea break
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Session I: The role of sustainable and green industrialization in the realization of the SDGs in South Asia
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Dinner hosted by Hon. Karu Jayasuriya, Speaker of Parliament
Thursday, 12 July 2018
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Session II: The role of parliaments in promoting decent work and safe and secure working environments
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Tea break
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Session III: Parliaments as promoters of social and economic inclusion in South Asia
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Roundtable for Speakers of Parliaments (Closed meeting)
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Adoption of the Colombo Declaration - End of the Summit (plenary)
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Lunch
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Leave for the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology (SLINTEC)
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Arrive at SLINTEC / Field visit
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Dinner hosted by Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, MP, Minister of Sustainable Development, Wildlife and Regional Development