30 June: International Day of Parliamentarism

Every year 30 June is celebrated across the world as International Day of Parliamentarism. It marks day of establishment of Inter-Parliamentary Union, the global organization of parliaments in 1889.

About International Day of Parliamentarism

Background: It was established by United Nations General Assembly in 2018 by adopting n its resolution A/RES/72/278. The day seeks to unite all parliamentarians of the world. The year 2019 is the 130th anniversary of IPU.

It recognized role played by parliaments in national plans and strategies and in ensuring greater transparency and accountability at national as well as global levels.

Significance: The Day celebrates parliaments and ways in which parliamentary systems of government improve everday lives of people throughout the world. It is also an opportunity for parliaments to identify challenges, and stock ways to address them effectively.

About Inter-Parliamentary Union

IPU is the world organization of parliaments. It connects national parliaments in order to promote greater accountability, transparency and participation at global level.

Along with other parliamentary organizations, IPU engages with UN on activities that cover a broad range of issues, such as health, gender equality, youth empowerment, peace and security, human rights and sustainable development.

Facts About Parliaments

Every country in world has some form of representative government be it Presidential form or Parliamentary form.

A parliamentary system is of two categories:

1. Bicameral-with two chambers of parliament
2. Unicameral-with one chamber

Out of 193 countries, 79 are bicameral and 114 are unicameral, which makes a total of 272 chambers of parliament with more than 46,000 members of parliament.

Althingi, the Icelandic Parliament, founded in 930 is World’s oldest parliament.

Importance: Strong parliaments are a cornerstone of democracy as they represent voice of people, allocate funds to implement laws and policies, pass laws and hold governments accountable to people.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2019