The IPU was established in 1889. The Parliament of the Republic of Namibia joined the IPU at independence in 1990. The Union is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and works for peace and co-operation among people for the establishment of firm representative democracy.
The IPU supports and shares the efforts and objectives of the United Nations and works in close co-operation with the organisation. The IPU also co-operates with regional inter-parliamentary organisations, international intergovernmental and no-govermental organisations.