The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the world organisation of Parliaments of sovereign States. It is the focal point for world-wide parliamentary dialogue and works for peace and co-operation among peoples and the firm establishment of representative institutions. The IPU supports the efforts of the United Nations, whose objectives it shares, and works in close co-operation with. It also co-operates with regional inter-parliamentary organisations, as well as with international intergovernmental organisations which are motivated by the same ideals.