The history of the IPU, the oldest international political organization in the world

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), founded in 1889, is the world's oldest international political organization and has been based at the "Maison des Parlements" in Grand-Saconnex, Geneva, since 1921. Celebrating its 135th anniversary on June 30, 2024, the IPU was created by Nobel Peace Prize laureates William Randal Cremer of England and Frédéric Passy of France to resolve international conflicts through peaceful arbitration. This groundbreaking organization laid the foundation for modern multilateral cooperation and contributed to the establishment of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the League of Nations, and the United Nations.

Cremer, an MP from a humble background, and Passy, a wealthy economist, initially promoted international arbitration separately before uniting their efforts. Their collaboration led to a pivotal meeting in Paris in 1888, which, despite modest attendance, sparked the regular international conferences that birthed the IPU in 1889. With Passy as President and Cremer as Vice-President, the IPU established its headquarters in Berne in 1892, moving to Geneva in 1921.

The IPU, now encompassing 180 national parliaments and representing over 46,000 parliamentarians, continues to foster international cooperation under Secretary General Martin Chungong. It promotes contact, coordination, and experience exchange among parliaments, addressing global concerns such as peace, security, sustainable development, women's rights, education, science, culture, and human rights. The IPU also intervenes and advises in situations where parliamentarians face threats, advocating for their protection and the promotion of human rights. Through these efforts, the IPU remains a crucial institution for parliamentary democracy and development, championing the defense and enhancement of human rights and humanitarian law.

Photo of Martin Chungong, Secretary General of the IPU