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
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) was constituted under the United Nations Charter to help nations settle disputes peacefully in accordance with international law.
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.
Entitled Water for People and Planet: Stop the waste, change the game, invest in the future, the 2023 Parliamentary Hearing at the United Nations will provide a parliamentary contribution to the UN Water Conference, on 22-24 March 2023, in New York.
Further to the 9 December convocation letter to members (see under Documents), a draft programme of work and information note for participants will be posted on this page by mid-January.
Members are invited to register early via the registration portal indicated in the convocation letter. As per past practice, delegations should not exceed six members and should strive to achieve gender balance as well as the inclusion of young parliamentarians.