The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.
We help parliaments build peaceful and inclusive societies, fight terrorism and violent extremism and curb the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Nearly every country in the world has some form of parliament. Parliamentary systems fall into two categories: bicameral and unicameral. Out of 188 national parliaments in the world, 81 are bicameral (162 chambers) and 107 are unicameral, making a total of 269 chambers of parliament with some 44,000 members of parliament. IPU membership is made up of 183 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.
Regional seminar: African parliaments for climate action: Reducing methane, promoting development
May152026
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Nairobi,
Kenya
Organized by the IPU and the Parliament of Kenya, in cooperation with Climate Parliament, will bring together parliamentarians from across Africa to exchange views, share experiences and strengthen parliamentary engagement on climate action, including through reducing methane emissions.
The webinar will present the Digital Accessibility Officer Network, quality control audits, and compliance reporting tools such as the Voluntary Product Accessibility Template. The session will close with a live demonstration of the Citizens’ App, showing how high-level policy translates
Parliamentary Forum at the 2026 UN High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development
Jul142026
This year’s Parliamentary Forum will begin with a focus on SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities, one of five goals under review at the 2026 HLPF.