1997 - Inter Parliamentary Conference | Commemorative Coin

The 3rd commemorative coin of 1997 was on 'Inter Parliamentary Conference: Men and Women Partnership in Politics'.

While a gazette notification provided specifications for this coin, it was not made available to the general public. The mintage of the coin is believed to be very low, although various figures have circulated. Currently, there are no known sets in circulation for exchange.

Notably, the coin features a mint mark in the form of two diamonds below the date. The significance of this mark remains unclear—whether it symbolizes a partnership between men and women, denoted by the two diamonds, or if it suggests that the coin was privately struck but released by the Mumbai Mint.

The mystery surrounding the limited information on the coin, coupled with the absence of sets in exchange, adds to its enigmatic nature. Further research or official statements may be needed to unveil the true story behind this unique coin and its distinctive mint mark.

The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is an international organization founded in 1889 by William Randal Cremer (United Kingdom) and Frédéric Passy (France). Originally conceived as the first permanent forum for political multilateral negotiations aimed at individual parliamentarians, it has since evolved into an international organization representing the parliaments of sovereign states. Currently, 143 national parliaments are members of the IPU, and an additional seven regional parliamentary assemblies hold associate membership. The IPU holds permanent observer status at the United Nations.

Initially focused on conflict arbitration, the IPU played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague. Over time, its mission has expanded to encompass the promotion of democracy and inter-parliamentary dialogue. The organization has actively contributed to the formation of inter-governmental institutions, including the United Nations, with which it collaborates closely and maintains permanent observer status.

Various entities, including the Committee for a Democratic UN, the German Bundestag, and the Socialist International, have expressed interest in the prospect of transforming the IPU into a United Nations Parliamentary Assembly. This idea is also considered as a viable option by the Liberal International. The IPU's enduring commitment to fostering global democracy and facilitating dialogue between parliamentary bodies reinforces its integral role in international relations.