Why in the News?

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar recently hosted a lunch for heads of parliamentary delegations attending the G20 Parliamentary Speakers' Summit (P20) and also interacted with Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President Duarte Pacheco.

About the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU):

• Established in 1889 in Paris, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the international organization of Parliaments, dedicated to promoting representative democracy and world peace.
• It serves as the first multilateral political organization globally, fostering cooperation and dialogue among all nations.
• Mission and Slogan: The IPU's mission revolves around parliamentary diplomacy, empowering parliaments, and parliamentarians to advance peace, democracy, and sustainable development worldwide.
• Its slogan, "For democracy. For everyone," encapsulates its commitment to democratic values.
• Membership and Promotion of Democracy: Currently comprising 179 member parliaments and 13 associate members, the IPU actively promotes democracy by strengthening parliaments, and fostering youth inclusion, gender balance, and diversity.
• A dedicated committee defends the human rights of parliamentarians globally.
• Headquarters and Funding: The IPU relocated its headquarters to Geneva in 1921.
• Financed primarily by its members using public funds, the organization sustains its operations and initiatives.

Organizational Structure:

• IPU Assembly: Principal statutory body expressing IPU views on political issues.
• Gathers parliamentarians to study international problems and make actionable recommendations.
• Governing Council: Plenary policymaking body composed of three representatives from each member parliament.
• Establishes the IPU's annual program, and budget, and considers substantive issues.
• Executive Committees: A 17-member body overseeing IPU administration and advising the Governing Council.
• Fifteen members elected by the Council for a four-year term.
• Standing Committees: Three committees set up by the Governing Council to assist the Assembly in its work.
• Meeting of Women Parliamentarians: A separate organ meeting during the first round of Statutory Meetings, reporting to the Governing Council.
• Attended by parliamentarians of both sexes, focusing on specific substantive items for debate within the Assembly's competence.