Activity Reports

Through its programme of activities, the BGIPU seeks to engage Parliamentarians in key global issues and works to expand awareness and understanding of foreign relations and the contribution to be made by the UK Parliament to consolidate parliamentary democracy worldwide.

Here you can read the reports of our activities, including our Outward Delegations, IPU conferences and events and inward visits to Westminster.

You can search for specific reports by using keywords, themes, categories or date using the fields on the right.

 

© IPU

152nd IPU Assembly in Türkiye calls for peace amid Middle East conflict

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) successfully concluded its 152nd Assembly, hosted by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye in Istanbul from 15-19 April 2026. The “parliament of parliaments” drew over 1,500 delegates, including more than 720 parliamentarians from 126 countries. Women comprised 37% of lawmakers present. Some 13% of the parliamentarians attending were under 40. The high-level […]

IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians. © IPU

IPU marks 50 years of defending parliamentarians’ rights

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is marking a major milestone this year: the 50th anniversary of its Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians, a unique international body which has spent the past five decades defending lawmakers in danger around the world. According to IPU figures, more than 1,000 parliamentarians suffered human rights abuses in 2025, a record high […]

A young activist calling for equality, justice and human rights in South Africa. © Armand Burger

New IPU Report sees youth representation in parliament flatline for first time in 12 years

For the first time in over a decade, global youth representation in parliaments has shown no progress, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) biennial report, Youth participation in national parliaments. The findings come amid growing demands from young people for a greater say in political decisions. The new IPU report reveals that the proportion of members […]

©Senate of Cameroon

Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organisation calls for WTO reform

The Inter-Parliamentary Union has concluded its Parliamentary Conference on the World Trade Organization (WTO) which took place at the Senate of Cameroon, on the eve of the WTO’s 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14). The Parliamentary Conference on the WTO is co-organized by the IPU and the European Parliament. It brings together legislators from all regions to shape ministerial […]

The five candidates in alphabetical order from left to right.

Inter-Parliamentary Union to elect its new Secretary General at 152nd Assembly

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) will elect its ninth Secretary General at the 152nd IPU Assembly, which will be held in Istanbul, Türkiye from 15 to 19 April 2026. The Secretary General serves as the Chief Executive of the Organization, overseeing the management of the Secretariat and reporting directly to the IPU Governing Council. Together with the President, the […]

Male and female MPs join the IPU’s campaign ‘Achieving gender equality. Action by action.ʼ © Parliament of Bhutan.

IPU highlights action Bhutan is taking to advance gender equality in its Parliament

Women constitute about 52% of Bhutan’s population, yet they remain significantly underrepresented in its Parliament. While Bhutan’s Constitution is grounded in the principle of equity, and progress has been made in women’s participation in local government and public services, their representation in Parliament has declined in recent years. The IPU report Women in parliament: 1995-2025, highlighted […]

The Istanbul 15 July Martyrs Bridge over the Bosphorus © GNAT

152nd IPU Assembly to take place in Türkiye from 15-19 April 2026

The Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) will convene its 152nd Assembly in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 15 to 19 April 2026. Hosted by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, the overall theme of the event is Nurturing hope, securing peace and ensuring justice for future generations. Against a backdrop of unfolding and ongoing wars, with severe humanitarian consequences, in […]

The IPU-UN Women map, presents global rankings for women in executive and government positions as of 1 January 2026.

Only 1 in 7 countries is led by a woman as global political power remains dominated by men

New Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) – UN Women data shows women remain far from having equal political power, holding just 22.4% of cabinet posts and 27.5% of parliamentary seats worldwide. Across the world, women remain vastly under-represented in political leadership, with the most powerful decisions still overwhelmingly made by men. In 2026, only 28 countries are led by […]