International Telecommunication Union
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that is responsible for information and communication technologies. It is the oldest international organization in the world, having been created in 1865 to facilitate international communication between governments and improve international cooperation in communications matters.
The ITU is composed of 193 Member States and 700 sector members from both the public and private sectors. This includes government ministries, telecommunications operators, broadcasters, satellite operators, service providers and equipment manufacturers. The ITUs secretariat is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
The ITU was founded in 1865, initially as the International Telegraph Union. Its mission has expanded over time and now includes activities in the areas of internet infrastructure, radio and television broadcasting, broadband access, cybersecurity, communications networks, spectrum management and more. The ITUs primary goal is to develop and foster communications technologies in order to improve the lives of people and businesses worldwide.
The ITU is organized into three main areas: Radio, Telecommunications, and Development. The Radio sector focuses on spectrum management, radio communications and broadcasting. The Telecommunications sector works with the deployment, management and use of wireless communication technology, and related services and devices. The Development sector works to promote access and use of ICTs to meet development and sustainability objectives.
The ITU is also responsible for the coordination of the global use of the radio-frequency spectrum and satellite orbits. It allocates frequency bands to countries, establishes and develops global technical standards, and encourages the harmonization of ICT technologies and services throughout the world. The ITU has a unique role in promoting global interconnectedness and interdependence, and facilitating communication within and between countries.
The ITU works with its members to identify, develop and also implement global regulatory and technological standards in the use of ICTs. The ITU also provides technical assistance to member states and helps countries, especially developing countries, to bridge the digital divide by increasing access to and use of ICTs.
The ITU also has cooperate functions with other UN agencies who focus on related areas such as poverty reduction, the environment, and sustainable development. It works to improve digital literacy and encourage the participation of marginalized communities and vulnerable populations in the information society, and supports research and development for ICTs in order to promote their wider use.
The ITU is committed to the goal of digital inclusion, ending the digital divide, and creating an inclusive and equitable global digital economy. It also works to eliminate digital threats and build cyber security capacity, strengthening the public’s trust in ICTs.
