Context:
Vice President of India recently interacted with the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union on the sidelines of the G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit (P20).
Relevance:
GS II: International Relations
Dimensions of the Article:
- About Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)
- Structure
About Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU):
- The IPU is a global organization representing Parliaments worldwide.
- It was founded in 1889 in Paris with the goals of promoting representative democracy and global peace.
- The IPU plays a pivotal role in parliamentary diplomacy, empowering Parliaments and parliamentarians to advocate for peace, democracy, and sustainable development on a global scale.
- It was the world’s first multilateral political organization, fostering cooperation and dialogue among all nations.
- Slogan: “For democracy. For everyone.”
- Presently, the IPU comprises 179 member parliaments and 13 associate members.
- It works to enhance democracy, promote stronger, more diverse, gender-balanced parliaments, and defend the human rights of parliamentarians through a dedicated committee consisting of MPs from across the globe.
- The IPU moved its headquarters to Geneva in 1921.
- Funding: The IPU is primarily funded by its members using public funds.
Structure:
IPU Assembly:
- The primary statutory body representing the IPU’s views on political matters.
- Gathers parliamentarians to address international issues and make recommendations for action.
Governing Council:
- The principal policymaking body of the IPU.
- Comprised of three representatives from each member parliament.
- The IPU President also serves as the Council’s President.
- Responsible for establishing the IPU’s annual program and budget.
- Occasionally addresses substantive issues and adopts thematic resolutions and policy statements.
- Oversees various committees and working groups reporting to the Council.
Executive Committees:
- A 17-member body that administers the IPU and advises the Governing Council.
- Of these members, 15 are elected by the Council for a four-year term.
- The IPU President is an ex officio member and serves as the Committee’s President.
Standing Committees:
- Three Standing Committees established by the IPU Governing Council to support the Assembly’s work.
Meeting of Women Parliamentarians:
- A distinct body within the IPU that convenes during the first round of Statutory Meetings.
- Reports its work to the Governing Council and includes both male and female parliamentarians.
- Focuses on one to two substantive debate topics related to the Assembly’s competence.
-Source: The Times of India
