Region: Global Issues

Child paints a sign that reads 'Escazù now!' © Fotoholica Press Agency/Alamy

Escazú Agreement: Enhancing public participation on environment issues in Argentina

Latin America has a wealth of vital natural resources, but it also struggles with deforestation, rapid biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change. In an era of escalating environmental challenges, this puts it on the front line of the battle for our planet’s future. The conflict between public and private interest is a major part of […]

The IPU Committee on Middle East Questions was founded in 1987 as a space for dialogue between parliamentarians in the region

Meeting of the IPU Committee on Middle East Questions addresses conflict in Gaza

The IPU Committee on Middle East Questions held an extraordinary virtual meeting on 5 February 2024, against the backdrop of the protracted conflict in Gaza. The meeting, chaired by the President of the Committee, Mr. Hubert Julien-Laferrière of France, brought together parliamentarians from the Middle East and around the world, including representatives from the Israeli Knesset and […]

The 2024 Parliamentary Hearing to be held 8-9 February 2024, is intended to provide a parliamentary contribution to one of the key components of the Pact for the Future

Annual Parliamentary hearing at the United Nations to focus on global peace and security

Putting an end to conflicts: Prescriptions for a peaceful future, will be the theme of the 2024 Annual Parliamentary Hearing, a joint initiative between the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). IPU President Tulia Ackson and UNGA President Dennis Francis will host some 300 participants, including parliamentarians, Speakers of […]

A super election year in 2024 provides the IPU with challenges and opportunities

According to the latest data compiled by the IPU on its data platform, Parline, 72 elections or renewals of parliamentary chambers will take place this year, compared to 65 last year. Among those, 55 parliamentary chambers will be directly elected while the others will be indirectly elected or appointed. Roughly half the world’s population is expected to […]

BGIPU Chair, Dame Karen Bradley DBE MP, pictured in October 2023 congratulating the newly elected IPU President and Speaker of Tanzania, Dr Tulia Ackson MP.

BGIPU Chair Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP receives Damehood from HM King Charles III

BGIPU Chair, Rt Hon Karen Bradley MP has been honoured with a Damehood for public and political service by HM King Charles III. Karen has been MP for the Staffordshire Moorlands since 2010 and has served under different Prime Ministers as a Government Whip, Minister in the Home Office, Culture Secretary and Secretary of State […]

The AI workshops will also inform a forthcoming IPU resolution The impact of artificial intelligence on democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Parliaments and AI: IPU ensuring parliamentarians are going beyond the buzz

Huge strides in artificial intelligence (AI) have dominated the headlines these past few months. But beyond the buzz, what are the risks but also the opportunities when it comes to democracy, human rights and the rule of law? Will AI be the great disrupter of elections in 2024 with more than half the world’s population going to the polls? […]

IPU 2023

Human Rights of MPs: Some success stories from IPU efforts despite uptick in abuse

A few days before Human Rights Day on 10 December, the IPU has released its annual map of the number of reported cases of human rights violations suffered by parliamentarians around the world. Although the numbers continue to rise, there have been positive developments in some countries, partly due to actions by the Committee on the Human Rights […]

Xiye Bastida, indigenous climate activist, addresses the IPU global parliamentary community at COP28. ©IPU/ Parliament of the United Arab Emirates

COP28: Parliaments take centre stage to accelerate climate action

Parliaments were in the spotlight on 6 December 2023 in Dubai at COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference, at a day of parliamentary meetings organized by the IPU and the Federal National Council (FNC), the Parliament of the United Arab Emirates. The meeting was attended by over 500 parliamentarians, including dozens of Speakers, from some 60 countries, […]