What began in 1889 as a small group of parliamentarians, dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue, has since grown into a truly global organization with 181 Member Parliaments and 15 Associate Members. 

The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world. 

The slogan of the IPU is: For democracy. For everyone. 

The IPU promotes democratic governance, institutions and values, working with parliaments and parliamentarians to articulate and respond to the needs and aspirations of the people. The Organization works for peace, democracy, human rights, gender equality, youth empowerment, climate action and sustainable development through political dialogue, cooperation and parliamentary action. 

The IPU is financed primarily by its Member Parliaments out of public funds. Its headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland. The IPU also has offices in New York, United States and Vienna, Austria.