Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU): 153rd Assembly, Members, Functions and Governance Structure

Learn about the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), its 153rd Assembly, history, membership, headquarters, functions, governance structure and significance for UPSC preparation.

Table of Contents

The Indian Parliamentary Delegation, led by the Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, has departed for Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, to participate in the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

The development is significant from the perspective of India’s parliamentary diplomacy and international cooperation. The IPU provides a platform where parliamentarians from different countries discuss global challenges, promote democratic values and strengthen cooperation among legislatures.

What is the Inter-Parliamentary Union?

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the international organization of national parliaments. It was established in 1889 in Paris with the objective of promoting representative democracy, parliamentary dialogue and world peace.

Over the years, the organization has expanded its role to include issues such as human rights, gender equality, youth participation, climate change and sustainable development.

The IPU works with parliaments and parliamentarians to make democratic institutions more effective and responsive to the needs of citizens.

Key Facts about IPU

Particular	Details
Established	1889
Place of establishment	Paris, France
Headquarters	Geneva, Switzerland
Nature	International organization of national parliaments
Member Parliaments	183
Associate Members	15
Major focus	Democracy, peace, human rights and parliamentary cooperation
Funding	Primarily contributions from members

The IPU moved its headquarters to Geneva in 1921.

Objectives and Functions of IPU

The major functions of the Inter-Parliamentary Union include:

1. Promoting Democracy

The IPU works to strengthen representative democracy, democratic governance and parliamentary institutions across the world.

2. Promoting Peace

It provides a forum for parliamentarians to engage in political dialogue and contribute to the peaceful resolution of international disputes.

3. Protecting Human Rights

The organization works to promote and defend human rights. It also has a dedicated mechanism for addressing violations of the human rights of parliamentarians.

4. Gender Equality

The IPU promotes greater participation and representation of women in political and parliamentary processes.

5. Youth Empowerment

It encourages the participation of young people in political decision-making and parliamentary affairs.

6. Climate and Sustainable Development

The IPU also facilitates parliamentary action on climate change, sustainable development and other global challenges.

Governance Structure of IPU

The IPU functions through several important bodies.

IPU Assembly

The IPU Assembly is the principal statutory body of the organization. It brings parliamentarians together to deliberate on international issues and formulate recommendations for action.

Governing Council

The Governing Council is the plenary policymaking body of the IPU. It consists of three representatives from each member parliament.

The President of the IPU serves as the ex-officio President of the Governing Council.

The Council is responsible for establishing the organization’s annual programme and budget.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee consists of:

President of the IPU
15 elected members representing different geopolitical groups
President of the Bureau of Women Parliamentarians
President of the Board of the Forum of Young Parliamentarians

The 15 elected members serve a four-year term.

Standing Committees

The IPU Governing Council has established three Standing Committees to assist the Assembly in its work. These committees examine important international and parliamentary issues and support deliberations of the Assembly.

Significance for India

India’s participation in IPU activities is an important component of its parliamentary diplomacy. Participation enables Indian parliamentarians to engage with legislators from other countries, exchange experiences and discuss issues of global importance.

For India, platforms such as the IPU can contribute to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting dialogue and projecting India’s parliamentary traditions internationally.

Conclusion

The Inter-Parliamentary Union serves as an important global platform for parliamentary diplomacy and democratic cooperation. Since its establishment in 1889, it has evolved into a major forum for national parliaments to address issues such as peace, democracy, human rights, gender equality, youth participation and sustainable development. India’s participation in the 153rd IPU Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania, highlights the continuing importance of parliamentary engagement in international affairs.