Inter-Parliamentary Union

The IPU is the international organization of Parliaments of sovereign States (Article 1 of the Statutes of the Inter-Parliamenary Union). It was established in 1889.

The Union is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and works for peace and co-operation among peoples and for the firm establishment of representative democracy.
The IPU supports the efforts of the United Nations, whose objectives it shares, and works in close co-operation with it. It also co-operates with regional inter-parliamentary organizations, as well as with international intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations which are motivated by the same ideals.

Over a hundred national parliaments are currently members of the IPU. Five regional parliamentary assemblies are Associate Members.