Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

What is the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)?

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) was created in 1889, in an era when there were no established means for governments, parliaments or MPs to work together internationally. The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments.

Its membership includes 179 Member Parliaments.

Its slogan is “For democracy. For everyone.”

What does it do?

The IPU is the global organization of national parliaments to promote democratic governance, institutions and values, working with parliaments and parliamentarians to articulate and respond to the needs and aspirations of the people. 

IPU works for peace, democracy, human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment and sustainable development through political dialogue, cooperation and parliamentary action.

Where are its headquarters?

IPU headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Where was the recent IPU Assembly held and what did it resolve on?

141st IPU Assembly was held in Belgrade, Serbia in October, 2019. A resolution passed has urged legislatures to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.It enumerated four key areas where the support of countries is needed to ensure UHC. These include:

1. Legislating for UHC.
2. Allocating funds to enhance access to health care service and products and make UHC a financially viable objective.
3. Involving ministries other than health such as food and water for UHC’s effective implementation.
4. Ensuring accountability for UHC by building transparent institutions and fostering meaningful dialogue with civil society.