FORUM: "Bring Human Rights into Focus.'' International Day of Parliamentarism 2026. The IPU was founded on 30 June 1889 by a small group of parliamentarians who believed that parliamentary dialogue and diplomacy were a better way of settling differences than war. 137 years later, the IPU is the parliament of parliaments, a thriving international organization made up of 183 national parliaments and open to all 44,000 parliamentarians in the world. The IPU's 2026 campaign asks parliaments worldwide to showcase initiatives that advance human rights and complete its 10-action list.#Parliamentarians, #30june, #ParliamentarismDay.
CAMPAIGN: This year, in line with the IPU's theme of the year, we are encouraging you to join our new campaign Bring human rights into focus.
Share what your parliament is doing to bring human rights into focus including which of the 10 campaign actions you have undertaken.
Organize an event or parliamentary debate to celebrate the day, focusing on human rights and the campaign’s objectives.
Nominate a fellow parliamentarian for the 2026 Cremer-Passy Prize in recognition of their outstanding efforts to shine a light on human rights. Deadline 30 June. Discover the IPU’s work on Human rights
FORUM: “Achieving gender equality, action by action.‘’ International Day of Parliamentarism 2025. This year, in line with the IPU's theme of the year, we are encouraging you to join our new campaign. This year, we celebrate the IPU’s 136th anniversary; The IPU was founded on 30 June 1889 by a small group of parliamentarians who believed that parliamentary dialogue and diplomacy were a better way of settling differences than war. 136 years later, the IPU is the parliament of parliaments, a thriving international organization made up of 181 national parliaments and open to all 46,000 parliamentarians in the world. This year, with a world at war, the IPU’s foundational values have never been so relevant. That’s why we are asking you to mark this milestone in your parliament. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Parliamentarians, #30june, #ParliamentarismDay.
EVENTS: on June 30th, At IPU Headquarter in Geneva Switzerland during the observance International Day of Parliamentarism 2025, we will celebrate the 136th anniversary of the IPU. As the IPU Forum of Women Parliamentarians celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025, it honors the contributions of 40 influential women who have advanced gender equality and women's representation in politics. These trailblazing leaders have played pivotal roles in shaping the Forum's agenda, fostering global collaboration, and driving legislative reforms to empower women worldwide. Parliaments and parliamentarians must lead by example before preaching to the people. Register to participate and watch the livestream!
In Algeria: On the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism 2025, the Bureau of the Council of the Nation celebrated by reflecting on women’s progress in Algeria in a statement to the IPU. In line with IPU’s 2025 campaign goals on Achieving gender equality, action by action, this progress reflects the State's commitment to the principles of equality, equal opportunity, and women's empowerment. The Council of the Nation affirmed that gender parity, as enshrined in Algeria's Constitution, is a constitutional achievement.
In Andorra: The Women’s Network of the Parliament of Andorra will convene its first ordinary session on 30 June, on the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism. The Parliament of Andorra hopes that the work of this formal women’s network will contribute to strengthening the role of women in parliament, to make the parliament more gender-sensitive and to continue moving forward in terms of women’s rights.
In Angola: The Parliament of Angola held a workshop, ‘Parliamentary Action for Food and Nutritional Security” in the National Assembly on June 30 to commemorate the International Day of Parliamentarism. The workshop aimed to promote reflection and debate on the Parliament’s role in advancing food and nutritional security in Angola, with a focus on inclusive public policies, institutional effectiveness, and social justice.
In the Kingdom of Bahrain: Bahrain’s Parliamentary Group marked the occasion with several impactful initiatives. A joint session was organized by the Committees for Gender Balance in both the Shura Council and the Council of Representatives. The session was titled: "Gender Balance in Parliamentary Work in the Kingdom of Bahrain", and provided a platform for exchanging views on enhancing inclusivity and representation within the parliamentary framework. Social media campaigns highlighted milestones in women’s participation, showcasing Bahrain’s progress in gender equality. Parliamentary leaders issued public statements reaffirming their commitment to strong, representative institutions. Additionally, members of parliament engaged in televised and radio interviews, reflecting on legislative achievements and democratic values. These efforts underscore Bahrain’s dedication to the principles of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and its ongoing commitment to strengthening parliamentary governance.
In the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association: The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association marked the International Day of Parliamentarism with a statement from Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg, The CPA is committed to supporting better engagement and communication between Parliaments and the public. It has developed an Engagement, Education and Outreach Handbook as a practical resource which Parliaments can reference in their efforts to improve and expand their engagement work.
In the EU Parliament: To mark the International Day of Parliamentarism on June 30, the President of the European Parliament, Ms Metsola recorded a video statement with a particular focus on the 2025 IPU theme, gender equality.
In Fiji: To mark 2025’s International Day of Parliamentarism, the Fijian Parliament highlighted its strong commitment to gender equality over the past decade as they embedded gender scrutiny into its Standing Orders and actively supported women’s leadership networks. Fiji continues to reaffirm its dedication to building a more inclusive, gender-responsive democracy in line with IPU’s theme of the year, Achieving gender equality, action by action.
In Greece: The IPU marked International Day of Parliamentarism and the Organization’s 136th anniversary at a special event in Ancient Olympia, Greece. A central theme of the event was gender equality, aligning with the IPU’s 2025 campaign Achieving gender equality, action by action designed to foster gender-sensitive institutions and combat discrimination and gender-based violence. Participants also took part in a tree-planting ceremony, helping to reforest areas of Ancient Olympia following devastating wildfires, in the newly inaugurated IPU Park of Peace and Democracy.
In India: To mark the International Day of Parliamentarism, the Lok Sabha Speaker conveyed his best wishes to parliaments and representatives worldwide, highlighting their essential role in voicing people’s aspirations, ensuring accountability, and protecting rights, while reaffirming India’s Parliament as a pillar of democracy, unity, and constitutional values.
In the Inter-parliamentary Assembly of the CIS Member Nations: On the occasion of 2025’s International Day of Parliamentarism, the Interparliamentary Assembly of the CIS Member Nations issued a statement commemorating the day and historical significance of June 30.
In Lao PDR: The President of the National Assembly of the Lao PDR sent a congratulatory message to the IPU on the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism. They expressed their appreciation for this year’s theme: “Achieving gender equality, action by action”. The Lao PDR attaches great importance to gender equality, integrating Sustainable Development, especially Goal 5 (empower all women and girls) into its national socio-economic development plans.
In Mongolia: To celebrate the International Day of Parliamentarism, Mongolia’s State Great Hural (Parliament) organized several initiatives promoting democracy and parliamentary cooperation. A roundtable discussion, co-hosted with the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Mongolia–UK Parliamentary Friendship Group at the UK Parliament, facilitated exchanges on parliamentary engagement and gender equality. Chairman H.E. Mr. Dashzegve Amarbayasgalan delivered a special video message reaffirming Mongolia’s dedication to democratic governance. Supporting the IPU’s gender campaign “Achieving gender equality, action by action,” Mongolian women MPs released many testimonial videos encouraging women’s political participation. These efforts highlight Mongolia’s active role in fostering inclusive, collaborative parliamentary values globally.
At the PARLATINO: The Latin American and Caribbean Parliament congratulated the Inter-Parliamentary Union on the 136th anniversary of its founding in a press release. PARLATINO, as the oldest and most comprehensive inter-parliamentary organization in Latin America and the Caribbean, has embraced the parliamentary and pacifist vocation of the founders of the IPU since 1964, and reiterated its willingness to continue supporting the IPU.
In Peru: The Congress of the Republic of Peru commemorated the International Day of Parliamentarism on 23 June, reaffirming their commitment to an inclusive and accessible democracy. Peru will host the 11th World Conference of Young Parliamentarians in 2025, welcoming young MPs from around the world to discuss major global challenges.
In Poland: On International Day of Parliamentarism, Poland recognised parliament as the cornerstone of democracy, representing the people’s will and overseeing government actions, and reaffirmed ongoing commitment to the IPU.
In Russian Federation: Russia joined celebrations for IPU’s 136th anniversary. At the 592nd meeting of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation (June 18, 2025), senators adopted a Statement in connection with the International Day of Parliamentarism.
In Rwanda: On the International Day of Parliamentarism, the Parliament of Rwanda shared that it is dedicated to working and sharing its experience with other parliaments to enhance women's participation and empowerment and to promote gender equality for a prosperous world.
In Tajikistan: The Majlisi Namoyandagon Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan on the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism congratulated the IPU for its ongoing contribution to strengthening parliamentarism, fostering international cooperation, and improving the lives of people globally.
In Tunisia: For the International Day of Parliamentarism, the Assembly of People's Representatives of Tunisia congratulated the IPU for playing a pivotal role in promoting democracy, human rights, and parliamentary cooperation worldwide through dialogue, inclusivity, and support for sustainable development. The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to working with the IPU to strengthen parliamentary diplomacy, address global challenges, and uphold justice and peace.
In United Kingdom: The House of Commons flew the IPU flag in New Palace Yard for the International Day of Parliamentarism, as a symbol of reflection and progress in the vital role parliaments play in upholding democratic values.
In Uzbekistan: The Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan commemorated the International Day of Parliamentarism by sending a congratulatory letter to the IPU, noting the importance of 2025’s theme, Achieving gender equality, action by action and that strong parliaments are the cornerstone for democracy.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: 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. From biannual Assemblies that bring together hundreds of MPs and delegates, to our increasingly popular regional seminars and workshops on the Sustainable Development Goals, Explore the calendar of IPU upcoming events!
LIVESTREAM: On July 22nd, the IPU Parliamentary Forum during the 2025 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development; Entitled Gender equality and health: fast forwarding progress, will focus on two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that are under review at the 2025 HLPF, namely, SDG 3, on health and wellbeing for all, and SDG 5, on gender equality and empowerment of women and girls. The parliamentarians participating in the annual HLPF session will explore these topics. Watch the livestream!
FORUM: ‘‘Parliamentary diplomacy: Building bridges for peace and understanding.’’ International Day of Parliamentarism 2024. This year, we celebrate the IPU’s 135th anniversary; The IPU was founded on 30 June 1889 by a small group of parliamentarians who believed that parliamentary dialogue and diplomacy were a better way of settling differences than war. 135 years later, the IPU is the parliament of parliaments, a thriving international organization made up of 180 national parliaments and open to all 46,000 parliamentarians in the world. This year, with a world at war, the IPU’s foundational values have never been so relevant. That’s why we are asking you to mark this milestone in your parliament. Follow the conversations with the hashtags: #Parliaments4thePlanet, #Parliamentarians, #30june, #ParliamentarismDay.
Russian Federation: On the occasion of 2024's International Day of Parliamentarism, the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation shared its compliments to the IPU and encouraged the strengthening of parliamentary dialogue as a way to work towards more peaceful and mutually beneficial relations among nations.
Belarus: The National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus sent their congratulations to the IPU on the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism, reiterating that parliaments play an important role in promoting constructive dialogue and de-escalating tensions in inter-state relations.
Canada: Mr David McGuinty President of the IPU Committee on United Nations Affairs, intervened in the Canadian House of Commons, during Statement by Members, to celebrate the International Day of Parliamentarism and the IPU’s 135th anniversary.
European Parliament: Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, addressed the importance of parliaments which, in her own words, are the cornerstone of democracy, in a video from the European Parliament for 2024's International Day of Parliamentarism.
Nepal: To mark the International Day of Parliamentarism, the Parliament of Nepal is planning a celebration on June 30 to enhance, educate and inform parliamentary democracy, and express Nepal's solidarity with initiatives of the IPU at the global level, including the Parliaments4thePlanet campaign. A tree planting and distribution of food to the elderly is also planned.
Paraguay: Paraguay joined celebrations of the International Day of Parliamentarism by issuing a declaration from the Honorable Chamber of Deputies for the 135th anniversary of the foundation of the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
Qatar: On 11 June, the Shura Council of Qatar organized a seminar on the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism. The seminar highlighted the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening relations between countries, addressing global crises and challenges, and promoting peace and understanding among peoples.
Tunisia: The Assembly of the People's Representatives of the Republic of Tunisia expressed pride in membership of the IPU in advance of the International Day of Parliamentarism and emphasised the pivotal role of the IPU in adding a parliamentary dimension to international cooperation.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: 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. From biannual Assemblies that bring together hundreds of MPs and delegates, to our increasingly popular regional seminars and workshops on the Sustainable Development Goals, Explore the calendar of IPU upcoming events!
FORUM: ‘‘Parliaments for the Planet.’’ International Day of Parliamentarism 2023. This year, with time rapidly running out to keep global warming under 1.5 degrees as stipulated in the Paris Agreement, the IPU’s main focus is climate action. That's why, we recently launched the IPU campaign Parliaments for the Planet designed to mobilize parliaments and parliamentarians to act on the climate emergency. The concept of the campaign is simple. Climate action begins at home. Parliaments and parliamentarians must lead by example before preaching to the people. The campaign is made up of two parts:
My parliament! Part 1 of the campaign encourages parliaments and those who work in them to reduce carbon footprint and become greener.
My planet! Overlapping with Part 1 of the campaign, Part 2 helps parliaments step up action through legislation, budgets and, in particular, scrutiny of government measures to implement the Paris Agreement on climate especially in the lead-up to COP28 in November.
On the eve of the International Day of Parliamentarism and the IPU’s 133rd anniversary on 30 June, a snapshot of the state of parliaments and parliamentarians offers mixed results.
According to the latest IPU figures, some parliaments are becoming more representative, with the proportion of MPs who are women and who are young on the increase. However, IPU data also shows that the numbers of functioning parliaments and sitting parliamentarians have decreased slightly.
More women in parliament
The proportion of parliamentarians who are women stands at an all-time high of 26.2%. This compares with 11.3% 27 years ago. According to the IPU’s ranking, five countries now have gender parity or a greater share of women in their lower or single chamber, up from three in 2021. (Mexico and Nicaragua joined Cuba, Rwanda and the United Arab Emirates in 2022). Overall, the Americas region has the highest share of female representation globally, with 34.6% of MPs being women. Latin American countries perform particularly well, with three countries in the top five, often thanks to the critical role played by well-designed quotas. Also, at the highest level of parliamentary representation, 22.3% of Speakers of Parliament are now women, compared with 20.5% in 2020. Leading the way again, the Americas have the highest percentage of women speakers today (31.5%) compared with other regions.
More young people in parliament
In another all-time high, the number of young parliamentarians under 45 years old has also increased – to close to 30%. The number of young parliamentarians under 30 has also nudged up to 2.6%. Norway has the youngest-looking parliament followed by the parliaments of Armenia and Serbia. Obviously, much still has to be done to bring about a true rejuvenation of parliaments.
But fewer functioning parliaments and MPs
However, the IPU also notes that number of parliaments in the world has dropped, albeit slightly, from 193 to 190, with the parliaments of Afghanistan, Myanmar and Sudan no longer functioning.
Consequently, according to the latest IPU figures, the number of sitting parliamentarians in the world has decreased by 4% (1941 MPs) with 44,310 MPs in the world compared with 46,288 this time last year.
This is due largely to the suspension of some parliaments as well as smaller numbers of parliamentarians in temporary parliamentary bodies in countries in transition.
Since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, the bicameral Parliament of Afghanistan has effectively been suspended and its 352 Members of Parliaments are no longer able to meet in the country. Some 200 exiled MPs have continued to hold virtual sessions.
In Myanmar, the military junta which took over in February 2021 has prevented the 664 Members of the two houses of Parliament elected in November 2020 from convening. A group of around 400 of those MPs, the Committee to Represent the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw, has continued to operate and participates in IPU meetings.
In Sudan, the bicameral parliament, made up of 492 MPs, was dissolved following a coup d’état in April 2019. A power-sharing deal that was supposed to create a transitional legislative council was set back after another military coup in October 2021.
As well as the suspension of the three above-mentioned parliaments, the decrease in the number of MPs can be explained by other political crises affecting parliaments worldwide.
Following coup d’états and military take-overs in Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali, the transitional parliaments are made up of fewer parliamentarians than the previous but now dissolved legislatures.
The IPU is also monitoring closely the situation of parliaments in other countries undergoing political crises including Libya, Tunisia and Venezuela.
The IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians is currently supporting a record number of some 700 parliamentarians whose human rights are allegedly being violated, many of them from the countries mentioned above.
Statement by the IPU Secretary General Martin Chungong on International Day of Parliamentarism 2022; June 30th.
Quotes from the IPU leadership
IPU President, Duarte Pacheco, said: “The IPU was founded 133 years ago with the idea that parliamentarians from different countries should come around the table to discuss global challenges. Today, those foundational values have never been so relevant with the world facing war, famine and the climate emergency. Parliamentarians have a key role to play in ensuring that countries work together to find common solutions to those challenges.”
IPU Secretary General, Martin Chungong, said: “There is good and bad news on this world parliament day and the anniversary of the IPU. It’s encouraging to see that parliaments have never been so female and so young. However, we are also seeing democratic backsliding in many countries and parliaments increasingly coming under assault in the process. We are convinced that the more representative and diverse a parliament, the stronger and more resilient it will be for the future. The IPU remains steadfast in its mission to continue strengthening parliaments worldwide.”
PUBLICATIONS
The third Global Parliamentary Report examines public engagement in the work of parliament. The information, findings and recommendations in this report set out a road map for enhanced public engagement by parliaments and parliamentarians, working collaboratively with the community to achieve participatory, inclusive and responsive parliaments.
In celebration of International Day of Parliamentarism on 30 June 2021, the UN Chamber Music Society of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council (UNCMS) – in partnership with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) - will perform a concert in celebration and recognition of the role of parliaments in national plans in empowering youth who have been coping during the pandemic – ensuring access to education, addressing reduced employment prospects, social isolation, and the surge in mental health issues.
The concert will be launched on the UN platforms, and shared by the Member Parliaments, along with the other debates and discussions of the parliament held on the International Day of Parliamentarism.
Established in 30 June 1889, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), the world organization of parliaments, connects national parliaments in order to promote greater transparency, accountability and participation at the global level. Along with other parliamentary organizations, IPU engages with the United Nations on activities that cover a broad range of issues, including peace and security, human rights and sustainable development.
The music programme will feature musical works that represent an artistic tapestry of human experience, to provoke empathy and create a more interconnected world. Founded in 2016 by Brenda Vongova, the UN Chamber Music Society is dedicated to promoting the UN goals at large - through the universal language of music.
PROGRAMME
Opening Messages
Duarte Pacheco
President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union
Martin Chungong
Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union
UN Chamber Music Society
of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council
Brenda Vongova, Artistic Director
Music Programme
CHRISTOPHER TIN (1976 - ) 'Flocks a Mile Wide'
Hana Mundiya (Violin I), Rohan Mundiya (Violin II), Abigail Elder (Viola), Derek Louie (Cello), Kohei Yamaguchi (Bass), Sarah Favinger (Bass), Brenda Vongova (Piano), Tom Betsalel (Percussion)
DAVID POPPER (1843 - 1913) Requiem, Op.66 (arr. for 6 cellos)
Derek Louie (Cello)
JOHANN PACHELBEL (1653 - 1706) Canon in D Major
Hana Mundiya (Violin I), Naoko Nakajima (Violin II), Noémi Chemali (Viola), Noah Koh (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
DARREN HUANG (1997 - ) Threnody for the Victims of COVID-19
Derek Louie (Cello), Brenda Vongova (Piano)
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SPECIAL THANKS
UN Department of Global Communications
Ms. Patricia Ann Torsney,
Permanent Observer for the Inter-Parliamentary Union to the United Nations
