interparliamentary

InterParliamentary is a term describing activities, structures, and institutions that facilitate dialogue and cooperation between national legislatures. It encompasses interparliamentary forums, conferences, study visits, and joint initiatives that bring together lawmakers, staff, and parliamentary partners from different countries.

The most prominent interparliamentary organization is the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), founded in 1889 as the first permanent body for parliamentary dialogue. IPU brings together parliamentarians from around the world to discuss democracy, human rights, peace, and development and to promote the rule of law. In addition to IPU, many regions maintain interparliamentary conferences and networks that organize regular meetings, exchanges, and joint statements.

Functions include facilitating information exchange, capacity-building, standard-setting for parliamentary practice, monitoring elections, and drafting joint declarations. Interparliamentary activity often complements executive diplomacy by providing non-governmental channels for dialogue and confidence-building.

Impact and limitations: These efforts can broaden participation, share best practices, and foster cooperation, but they may have limited authority and rely on member parliaments' willingness to implement. Proceedings are typically non-binding and dependent on political contexts.

Examples of interparliamentary formats include IPU assemblies, regional interparliamentary conferences, bilateral parliamentary exchanges, and joint committees on regional issues.