The Model Global Parliament Program

  • A simulated democratic global forum, wherein representatives of geopolitical regions work alongside non-governmental organisations of international significance, in order to determine practical solutions to global problems
  • A joint initiative of the World Citizens' Association of Australia (WCAA) and the Institute for Global Peace and Sustainable Governance (IGPSG)
  • An opportunity for students to improve their public speaking skills, debate in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, and interact with civil society groups advocating for a world parliament​​​​
"To have the chance to work with other motivated and passionate students in designing and proposing resolutions, if only as a model, to real and challenging global issues would be both inspirational and make us understand the realities that challenge such large aspirations."
"I think the idea of a global parliament is appealing because so many of the problems in the world today are trans-boundary. This includes peace and security concerns, but also environmental problems and trade."
The full digest of participants' responses to the pilot iteration of the Model Global Parliament program has been made available here.

How It Works:

Half the parliament:
Regions of the World

Half of the delegates to the Model Global Parliament will represent nine different geographical regions of the world.  The ideal number of representatives for each regional group is determined by population ratios, with each representative in each region getting one vote. By way of example, the regional groupings and number of seats might be as follows:
  • Africa – 7
  • Commonwealth of Independent States – 2
  • Europe – 5
  • Latin America – 5
  • Middle East – 3
  • North America – 5
  • North Asia – 8
  • South Asia – 8
  • South East Asia and Oceania – 5

Half the parliament:
Non-Governmental Organisations

The other half of the delegates will represent non-state actors which operate globally. These are the groups, which exist in the world today. For example, representatives could include:
  • Amnesty International – 4 (link)
  • Global civil society organisations – 4 (link)
  • Global Parliament of Mayors – 4 (link)
  • Intergovernmental organizations – 4 (link)
  • International Confederation of Trade Unions – 4 (link)
  • International Network for Culture and Arts – 4 (link)
  • International Union for the Conservation of Nature – 4 (link)
  • United Nations Global Compact – 4 (link)
  • Universities – 4 (link)
  • Volunteers Worldwide – 4 (link)
  • World Indigenous Business Network – 4 (link)
  • World Parliament of Religions – 4 (link)

The Tenth Model Global Parliament

The tenth Model Global Parliament will be held in the New South Wales Legislative Assembly, 6 Macquarie St, Sydney on Friday 28 September, 2018. No experience is required, and high school and university students are highly encouraged to take part. 

Topics for debate will include:
  • Nuclear Weapons
  • Human Rights
  • Global Governance
For specific and logistical information, please refer to the 'Participate' tab!

​Against the backdrop of the Trump-Kim summit, the ongoing refugee crisis, and the inaugural Paris Peace Forum in November this year, the 2018 Model Global Parliament is an opportunity not to be missed.