- 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' databaseIPU on air- Conversations about parliamentary action
Consultancy
Deadline:
The IPU intends to carry out case studies in 2-3 LDC parliaments to examine their role in overseeing development cooperation flows and related processes from the standpoint of the four leading principles of effective development cooperation: national ownership, managing for results, inclusivity, and mutual accountability.
News in brief
30/06/2021
The Inter-Parliamentary Conference for International Arbitration – later called the Inter‑Parliamentary Union – was officially born on 30 June 1889. Its foundation was driven by two remarkable parliamentarians – William Randal Cremer, a British MP and Frédéric Passy, a French MP – who were driven by a passion for international mediation as a means to resolve conflict. It was against a background of challenging international conflicts that demanded a platform for dialogue that the British and French founders created the organization to provide a place for countries to negotiate and arbitrate, instead of clash and conflict.
Voices and videos
30/06/2021
To celebrate the International Day of Parliamentarism on 30 June, we asked three young MPs three questions about parliamentary work. The three respondents have recently been elected to the Board of the Forum of Young Parliamentarians, a group within the IPU dedicated to boosting the participation of young people in parliaments and helping to ensure young MPs play a full part in the work of parliament.
Consultancy
Deadline:
The IPU is seeking to recruit a consultant or a consultancy firm to assist with the documentation on parliamentary practices and lessons learnt since the SDGs came into force.
Consultancy
Deadline:
Under the supervision of the Manager of the Gender Partnership Programme, the consultant will assist in coordinating global projects and partnerships, including research projects, coalitions and the organization of global events. The consultant will also carry out outreach work and other tasks as required.
Press releases
29/06/2021
On 30 June, the IPU and its Member Parliaments will mark the International Day of Parliamentarism with a number of events focusing on youth empowerment following the recent launch of the IPU campaign I Say Yes to Youth in Parliament!
News in brief
28/06/2021
Which is the oldest parliament in the world? And the newest? Which chambers have the most women parliamentarians? And how many parliamentarians are there in the world? Watch this 1-minute video to find out more about parliaments on International Day