Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

Source: This post on Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has been created based on the article “Om Birla highlights India’s push for multilateralism, innovation at IPU Assembly in Geneva” published in Indian Express on 16^th October 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla leads an Indian Parliamentary Delegation at the 149th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Geneva.

About Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)

1. The IPU is a global organization dedicated to promoting cooperation and dialogue among national parliaments worldwide.

2. It was founded in 1889, making it the first multilateral political organization aimed at fostering peace and cooperation through parliamentary diplomacy.

3. Aim: The IPU aims to promote democracy by advocating for democratic governance and principles across its member parliaments.

4. Objective: It fosters global cooperation on issues such as sustainable development, human rights, and peace and security. The IPU strengthens parliamentary institutions by helping them become more inclusive, transparent, and effective in their functions.

5. Structure and Membership: The IPU includes 180 national parliaments as members, along with 15 regional parliamentary assemblies. It collaborates closely with the United Nations and other global organizations to align legislative efforts with international development goals.

Key Areas of Focus

i) The IPU encourages legislative action on sustainable development, especially in areas like climate change, energy security, and environmental sustainability.

ii)  It promotes gender equality by advocating for a balanced representation of women in political leadership roles within parliaments.

iii) The organization supports youth representation, working to increase the involvement and influence of young people in parliamentary processes.

iv) The IPU also emphasizes innovation in governance, encouraging parliaments to leverage technology responsibly for better public service delivery and decision-making.

Role in Global Governance

1. The IPU provides a platform for dialogue among legislators, enabling them to exchange ideas and collaborate on international issues.

2. It encourages legislative reforms that address contemporary global concerns, including social justice, technological advancements, and environmental protection.

3. By promoting a framework for institutional growth, the IPU works to make parliaments more gender-balanced, green, innovative, and inclusive.

Recent Initiatives and Discussions

1. The IPU hosts annual assemblies where parliamentarians gather to discuss shared challenges and explore solutions through joint action.

2. Recent assemblies have focused on using technology responsibly, addressing issues like data privacy and artificial intelligence within the context of governance.

3. The IPU is actively involved in climate action, supporting discussions on renewable energy, sustainable practices, and initiatives like the “One Sun, One World, One Grid” concept.

UPSC Syllabus: International Organisations