- 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' database
Supporting resilient and innovative parliaments
To remain relevant and deliver for the people, parliaments and parliamentarians need to be forward-looking, resilient, and able to adapt and manage risk, especially in a constantly changing environment.
How does the IPU support resilient and innovative parliaments?
The IPU’s Centre for Innovation in Parliament helps parliaments harness new technology and ways of working. It plays a pivotal role in supporting parliaments in learning from one another depending on what stage they are at in their development.
The IPU leverages its research, data and knowledge sharing with the aim of strengthening parliaments’ ability to absorb, evolve and innovate in the face of external shocks, and help manage emerging risks such as the impact of climate change.
The IPU also facilitates online learning exchanges with parliamentarians and parliamentary staff, creating opportunities for them to connect and exchange with experts and civil society.
©Waldemir Barreto/Brazilian Senate