International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace


Parliamentarians play a central role in nations throughout the world, representing the people, respecting the rule of law, and upholding human rights; in effect, parliamentarians work to build safe, secure, stable and peaceful societies. 

 The “International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace” has been launched as a worldwide association of parliamentarians which provides a forum to bring their experience and wisdom to bear in the search for solutions to our world’s problems. Parliamentarians from around the world have offered their remarks on the importance of their work and the value of increased cooperation and collaboration in the search for innovative solutions to some of the critical issues that we face on the local, national, regional and global levels, from climate change to the rise of extremist ideologies to humanitarian disasters and conflict.

Backgrounder and Purpose of the IAPP

An Emerging Force 

 Within the UPF Ambassadors for Peace network, there are many activists involved with representative democracy in their nations and regions. Parliamentarians for Peace forums are emerging as key to action-oriented peace initiatives. 

 Parliamentarians for Peace forums include:

  •  A trans-religious and trans-national framework for the exchange of ideas, experiences and insights into dealing with the challenges of our times, with particular attention to peacebuilding, reconciliation and development. 
  •  An integrated and principled framework for developing effective plans of action and sound governance capacities. 
  •  Access to a range of human development and peace-building programs necessary for durable solutions. 
  •  Connections with a broad global network of religious and civil society leaders, government leaders, women leaders, members of the media, peace-builders and more. 

Supporting the UN

Seeking to augment the efforts of the United Nations whose objectives it shares, UPF works in over 190 nations with other international, regional and national organizations, as well as with the UN, its agencies and related organizations.

Through the Parliamentarians for Peace forums, Ambassadors for Peace are also provided with significant opportunities to strengthen their capacity to achieve and sustain superior performance as leaders and therefore improve the quality of governance of their institutions, nations and organizations. 

 At the same time, by utilizing the UPF’s strategic foci and integrated methodology for peacebuilding and development, Parliamentarians for Peace can leverage their strengths and resources for peace and development within their nations, their region and globally through UPF’s Global Peace Council and growing network of regional and national Peace Councils. 

 Effecting Change 

 At the end of the day, parliamentarians are faced with the challenges of maintaining the highest standards of leadership while effecting change at the national and local levels on all global issues – of education, security, development, crime, health, corruption, infrastructures, elections, justice and so much more. 

 Recognizing the enormity of this complex work, Parliamentarians for Peace are provided significant knowledge, tools and support through the Ambassadors for Peace network; the Global Peace Council and regional Peace Councils; and the UPF’s growing alliance of families, religious communities, educational institutions, media connections and affiliated NGOs and civil society organizations. 

 Key Action Areas 

 During the February 2017 World Summit in Seoul, Korea, a group of more than 500 parliamentarians will convene to explore ways that parliamentarians and those responsible in government can better work together and optimize the strengths, uniqueness and resources of the UPF. Those gathered recognize the following as key action areas: 

  •  Peacebuilding, interreligious reconciliation and development 
  •  Peace and character education 
  •  Curbing corruption 
  •  Strengthening democracy and good governance 

 Working Strategy

 At the 2017 World Summit, Parliamentarians for Peace have the opportunity to identify a number of next steps: 

  •  Address the root causes of problems by engaging in and encouraging self-reflection and self-evaluation. 
  •  Combat corruption through the exercise of their vote on various budgetary issues and by supporting not only traditional academic education but also values education. 
  •  Work to establish bi-partisan peacebuilding committees or caucuses in their legislature. 
  •  In nations/regions where conflict is endemic and people have lost hope for genuine peace, conduct Ambassadors for Peace programs and seminars to rebuild hope and confidence. 
  •  Work across sectors and as groups to eradicate corruption that knows no boundaries. 
  •  Find ways to network and work together with delegates from other nations, perhaps by creating friendship groups or similar clubs. 
  • Support the partnership between religion and politics as a substantive means to target daily behavior for real transparency. 
  •  Support character education programs in their nations as a practical way to support peace and development while also addressing the problems of HIV/AIDS, drug and alcohol abuse, and domestic violence, and the curbing of corruption at the grassroots level.