Elective democracy is now universally accepted and promoted as the norm for political legitimacy. But whereas most people today can choose politicians to govern their cities, provinces or states and countries, citizens do not vote directly for those who represent us on important global issues at the United Nations.

The United Nations remains hamstrung by the clash of national interests that obstruct social and environmental progress for our global community.

In contrast, 492 million Europeans elect a Parliament which helps the continent manage its common interests, transcending the violent inter-state conflicts of the twentieth century.

The great problems of our times – war, disease, hunger, climate change – require co-operative solutions. Why not give the United Nations a parliamentary dimension to make it more inclusive, more transparent, more collaborative, more accountable and more effective?

Campaign for a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly