In a landmark moment for global parliamentary diplomacy, Anda Filip has been elected the ninth Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), becoming the first woman to lead the organization in its 137-year history.
Her election took place during the 152nd IPU Assembly, held in Istanbul and hosted by the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye from 15 to 19 April 2026.
Filip will officially assume office on 1 July 2026, succeeding Martin Chungong of Cameroon, whose third and final term ends on 30 June.
A Romanian national, Filip brings more than two decades of experience within the IPU. Since 2011, she has served as Director for Member Parliaments and External Relations. Between 2003 and 2011, she was the IPU’s Permanent Observer to the United Nations in New York.
She has also played a key role in the organization’s parliamentary work, serving as Secretary of 25 IPU Assemblies and of the Standing Committees on Peace and International Security and on United Nations Affairs.
Before joining the IPU, Filip held several senior diplomatic positions in Romania’s Foreign Ministry, including Ambassador and Permanent Representative to international organizations in Geneva, Minister Counsellor at the Romanian Embassy in Washington, D.C., and Ministry Spokesperson.
Following her election, Filip thanked members for their trust and pledged to serve with dedication.
“I am deeply humbled by your confidence and support. I will spare no effort to make you proud. I will work with you in the service of your countries and your parliaments,” she said.
A total of 321 parliamentarians from 126 countries participated in the secret ballot during a session of the IPU Governing Council, the organization’s main decision-making body. Filip secured victory in the first round with 72 percent of the vote against three other candidates.
Under IPU voting rules aimed at promoting gender equality, member parliaments with gender-balanced delegations receive three votes, while single-sex delegations receive one vote. All member parliaments have equal voting weight regardless of size.
The Secretary General serves as the IPU’s chief executive, overseeing the Geneva-based Secretariat and reporting to the organization’s governing bodies. The position carries a four-year term, renewable twice.
Founded in 1889, the IPU has had eight previous Secretaries General. Among them, Norway’s Christian Lange and Switzerland’s Albert Gobat were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
