A United Nations Parliamentary Assembly would give elected legislators a formal role at the United Nations and represent the world’s citizens in global affairs.
“We, the Peoples”
Democratic representation at the UN
More and more issues have a global dimension that requires global cooperation. At the UN and other international fora, governments come together to negotiate and decide on policies that affect everyone. Global decisions, and global failure to act, shape people’s lives and the future of humanity.
The UN Charter begins with the words “We the peoples.” Yet, with few exceptions, UN bodies and international organizations are occupied by officials appointed by the executive branches of national governments. This is no longer sufficient.
A UNPA would for the first time give elected representatives a formal role in global affairs. The assembly’s members would cover a broad political spectrum and represent the world’s citizens, not governments. They would be required to organize in transnational groups and consider a global perspective to advance the common good of all.
The assembly would act as an independent watchdog in the UN system and as a democratic reflection of the world’s diversity.
Underlining its universal scope, a UNPA should be open to the participation of all UN member states. But its members would need to be hold accountable to fundamental human rights norms.
How it could develop
Initially, states could choose whether UNPA seats assigned to their country would be taken by members of national parliaments, reflecting their political spectrum and gender equality, or by directly elected representatives. Eventually, the goal is to have all members directly elected.
Starting largely as an oversight and advisory body, the rights and powers of the UNPA could be expanded over time as its democratic legitimacy increases.
In the long run, once its members are all democratically elected, the assembly could be developed into the citizens’ chamber of a world parliament which, under appropriate conditions and in conjunction with the UN General Assembly, may be able to adopt universally binding regulations.
A democratic agenda
A UNPA would be an institutional step toward making international deliberation and decision-making democratic, accountable, and connected to citizens. The assembly and its members could help drive a democratic transformative agenda.
The proposal is part of broader civil society efforts for inclusive and participatory global governance. It is included in the We The Peoples campaign platform.
Support democratic representation at the United Nations
Add your name or organization to the campaign for a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly.