We use the name Parliament because it is the widely recognized term for an assembly of elected representatives. Other names, such as Forum, could also be imagined.
The United People Parliament is the political working body of the UPO. It is composed of delegates elected by the citizens. It reflects the diversity of humanity.
Delegates are not chosen on the basis of nationality or political party affiliation. What matters is their ability and commitment to serve the well-being of the planetary community. Each delegate contributes their own personal, professional, social, and cultural perspective. In this way, different worldviews, experiences, and ways of thinking come together. A shared commitment to the common good fosters synergy, builds on the complementary strengths of each individual, and frees collaboration from the pursuit of vested interests.
The Parliament works in a collaborative format. Unlike traditional parliaments, where speeches are delivered from a podium to rows of passive listeners, the UPO Parliament is inspired by the World Café model. This approach encourages lively dialogue among delegates, nurtures creativity, and enables the emergence of collective insight.
We propose a Parliament of 997 delegates. This number is large enough to embrace a wide range of perspectives, yet small enough to remain effective. It is also the largest prime number below one thousand, symbolizing the indivisible unity of humanity.
The Parliament is intended to be a permanent institution with a physical headquarters, for example in South Africa, Costa Rica, or Switzerland.
Delegates work in competence groups dedicated to pressing global issues, including:
- Climate resilience
- Conflict transformation and peacebuilding
- Disarmament and security through peaceful means
- Planetary stewardship of essential resources (water, food, energy, and raw materials)
- Good global governance
- Sustainable livelihoods for all people
- Migration and displacement from a global perspective
- Reconciliation and the resolution of unresolved conflicts between peoples, nations, and ethnic communities
- The advancement of environmentally sustainable energy
In cooperation with subject-matter experts and civil society organizations, the Parliament develops positions, policy proposals, and practical measures. These are then submitted to the citizens of the UPO for decision through a process of direct democracy.