It appears only natural that the UN subscribes to the democratic principles it has so far stood to advocate, both in spirit and form. With a world parliament at the helm of the UN, the real benefits of a truly democratically structured institution can be realized for all member states, big or small, through the peoples’ mandated representatives directly. It is time for a UN Parliamentary Assembly.

Sangay Khandu, Member of Parliament, Bhutan, 2012

The Mercosur Parliament supports the establishment of a UN Parliamentary Assembly as a means to create a citizen-based democratic world order. As a regional international parliament we very well understand the challenges but also the tremendous benefits that this endeavour entails.

Ignacio Mendoza Unzaín, President of the Parliament of Mercosur (Mercosur trade bloc), 2012

Global crises require global solutions. Occasional summits, intergovernmental agreements and international cooperation are not enough. For instance, the globalization of finance requires new functional and democratic institutions as well as an elected body capable of coordinating their activities and determining the contents of international law, a world parliament.

Heikki Patomäki, Professor of World Politics at the University of Helsinki, Finland, 2012

The United Nations is dysfunctional and unable to act. I strongly support the creation of a democratically elected UN Parliamentary Assembly. This is what is desperately needed to give the world's citizens a true voice.

Abdulbaset Sieda, President of the Syrian National Council in exile in Sweden, 2012

Mozambique should support the creation of a global parliamentary assembly at the United Nations. As a young parliamentarian from Africa, I support this wonderful initiative. We are in a 'global village' where each nation and every world citizen should be invited to do and say something for a better world.

Ivone Soares, Deputy President of the Commission on International Relations of the Parliament of Mozambique, 2012

Germany and Europe should support the establishment of a Parliamentary Assembly at the United Nations.

Rita Süssmuth, Former President of the German Parliament (from 1988 to 1998), 2012

To the extent that the establishment of a UN Parliamentary Assembly would bring more transparency, oversight and effective governance to the Secretariat and other structures of the United Nations, I would support its establishment.

Benjamin Cardin, U.S. Senator, 2011

It is remarkable that major international organizations do not yet possess any formal parliamentary organ, not even in an advisory capacity. In particular, this is the case with regard to the UN, the WTO, the World Bank and the IMF. A United Nations Parliamentary Assembly would contribute significantly to overcoming an ever-growing legitimacy gap at the international level.

Claudia Kissling, Board member of the Committee for a Democratic U.N. in Berlin, 2011

The time is right to put into practice the principle "That which concerns everyone must be decided by everyone." The Security Council – with the five permanent members’ power of veto – more often than not serves only to block decisions adverse to those five, or even only one of them. Where really is democracy in the world today? We need a World Parliament which effectively represents all the peoples of the Earth.

Mario Capanna, Italian politician and writer, President of the Genetic Rights Foundation in Rome, 2010

Democracy is only complete if elected representatives take part in decision-making. That's why a parliamentary assembly also needs to be created for international organizations. It needs to be vested with adequate powers and shouldn't be a mere talking shop.

Eva Högl, Member of the German Parliament, 2010