- 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
News in brief
06/04/2020
The IPU continues to be concerned about the fate of opposition MPs in detention in Venezuela particularly in Iight of the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the World Health Organization, people in prison and other confined places of detention, are more
News in brief
01/04/2020
Parliaments are currently subject to the same public health and social distancing measures as schools, places of worship or businesses. Yet, in a time of crisis, the role of parliament is more vital than ever to pass emergency laws, allocate
News in brief
27/03/2020
During the COVID-19 global health emergency, Parliaments have a vital role to play in supporting national efforts to stem the pandemic and in mobilizing the resources to implement the health measures recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). They are
Consultancy
Deadline:
Background Health is a precondition for and an outcome of sustainable development, but the right to health is still not enjoyed by everyone. At least half of the world’s population still do not have full coverage of essential health services
Voices and videos
24/03/2020
The new Women in Politics map from the IPU and UN Women shows that women continue to be underrepresented across all levels of power. Watch the interview with Gabriela Cuevas, President of the IPU and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of
Voices and videos
23/03/2020
Opinion Piece by the Secretariat of the International Gender Champions (IGC) and Martin Chungong, Chair of the IGC Global Board and Secretary General of the IPU. In times of crisis, gender equality is a goal that is often temporarily put
News in brief
19/03/2020
Watch the second in our short video series for parliamentarians on UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 to celebrate Women’s History Month. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the groundbreaking UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security
Statements
19/03/2020
The IPU stands in solidarity with its Member Parliaments, partners and friends in the face of the coronavirus health emergency. We wish all those affected personally a speedy recovery and much strength in the coming weeks. The IPU also expresses