About ITU
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the United Nations specialised agency for telecommunications and information and communications technology (ICT). The ITU’s main role is to facilitate international connectivity and interoperability, allocate global radiofrequency spectrum and satellite orbits, develop technical standards for telecommunication networks and technologies, and improve access to ICT to underserved communities worldwide.
The ITU's work is divided across 3 sectors:
- Radiocommunication (ITU-R)
- Standardization (ITU-T)
- Development (ITU-D).
The ITU General Secretariat also supports the ITU Secretary-General and the overall running of the organisation.
Plenipotentiary Conference (PP) is the ITU's top policy-making body. Additionally, the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC) serves to review and revise Radio Regulations. Both PP and WRC are treaty-level conferences.
Each sector of the ITU also hosts quadrennial meetings to establish goals and directives specific to their mandate. They are as follows:
- World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA)
- World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC)
- Radiocommunication Assembly (RA).
The ITU Council acts as the governing body of the ITU between Plenipotentiary Conferences and progresses discussions on a range of international telecommunications issues, including global technical and regulatory frameworks, satellite network fees and ITU regional presence.
The ITU Council is made up of 48 member states, elected across 5 regions once every 4 years.
| Region A (Americas) | 35 Member States, 9 seats |
| Region B (Western Europe) | 33 Member States, 8 seats |
| Region C (Eastern Europe and Northern Asia) | 21 Member States, 5 seats |
| Region D (Africa) | 54 Member States, 13 seats |
| Region E (Asia and Australasia) (our region) | 51 Member States, 13 seats |
As the lead on ITU engagement, our department also engages with the regional telecommunications organisation, the Asia-Pacific Telecommunity (APT). The APT is an important platform for consolidating and harmonising regional voices in preparation for major ITU conferences.
Our work at ITU
Australia is proud of our long history in ITU, serving as a Council member since 1959. We work constructively to get the best outcomes for our region and the broader ITU.
As Council members in the 2023 to 2026 term, we are continuing our work to connect the unconnected and support an inclusive, accountable and agile ITU. We are standing for re-election to the ITU Council at the 2026 Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26) and you can find out more about our candidacy on the Australia for ITU Council 2026 page.