Interaction between the United Nations, national parliaments and the Inter-Parliamentary Union
“Interaction between the United Nations, national parliaments and the Inter-Parliamentary Union”
Friday, 25 July 2025
Statement by International IDEA
Excellencies,
As an intergovernmental organization with 35 Member States dedicated to strengthening democracy, International IDEA underscores the vital role of parliaments as pillars of effective democracy support. We affirm the central importance of legislatures in advancing peace and security, supporting sustainable development, and protecting human rights. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Pact for the Future highlight the vital role of parliaments in ensuring the effective implementation of these global commitments.
Since 2019, International IDEA has led the implementation of Inter Pares, the European Union’s flagship initiative for parliamentary strengthening through peer learning. This initiative mobilizes the expertise of European Union national parliaments to support the development objectives of partner parliaments. Together, we focus on shared goals such as advancing parliamentary innovation through digital tools and developing self-assessment indicators for democratic parliaments, thereby empowering parliaments to reflect on and enhance their democratic roles.
International IDEA also collaborates closely with the Inter-Parliamentary Union in implementing the Women and Youth Democratic Engagement (WYDE) Women’s Leadership Initiative, which advances progress toward gender equality goals by leveraging collective action, partnerships, coordination, knowledge, and resources globally. The WYDE initiative promotes the full and effective participation and decision-making of diverse women, especially those who are often left behind, through social norms change, networking, and global advocacy.
These models of parliamentary cooperation demonstrate how coordinated efforts can amplify parliamentary strengthening initiatives worldwide—thus offering a valuable framework for addressing global policy challenges.
International IDEA also supports parliaments through its regional and country offices around the world. When democratic transitions face setbacks, parliaments and elected parliamentarians are often among the first targets. Parliaments and parliamentarians under threat must receive protection and assistance, and we are grateful for the IPU’s principled leadership in this regard. International IDEA has been and will continue to be an active participant in this collective effort.
Excellencies,
International IDEA is dedicated to strengthening our partnership with the IPU to advance shared priorities such as parliamentary development, inclusive political participation, electoral integrity, gender equality, and constitution-building. We believe this cooperation is essential for reinforcing democratic governance within the framework of the 2030 Agenda.
International IDEA highly values its lasting relationship with the IPU. We look forward to continuing our joint advocacy and dialogue as we work together to strengthen transparent, effective, and accountable institutions as keys to sustainable development.
Thank you.
