International Day of Parliamentarism

Parliament is a 14th century English term derived from Anglo-Norman and coming from the 11th century Old French parlement, from parler, meaning “to talk”. In modern politics and history, a parliament is a legislative body of government (similar to a senate, synod or congress) commonly used in countries that are current or former monarchies. A cornerstone of democracy, parliaments represent the voice of the people, pass laws, allocate funds to implement laws and policies, and hold governments to account. Working with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) — the Day recognising the date of the IPU’s establishment in 1889 — parliaments also link international and national agendas, ensuring that governments implement international treaties and agreements that they sign up to. In countries emerging from conflict, parliaments can foster a peaceful transition to a functioning democracy by healing divisions in society through dialogue and cooperation. International Day of Parliamentarism is to recognise the role of parliaments in national plans and strategies and in ensuring greater transparency and accountability at national and global levels, and towards achievement of Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals with peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels.