International
Telecommunication
Union

Key facts

Norm-setting
Process to discuss or agree on digital policy norms
Multistakeholder
Formal role for non-governmental stakeholders
Partly open - there are medium barriers that make it harder for civil society to meaningfully participate
Openness
  • The ITU is a multilateral and specialised agency of the UN.
  • Its role is to set and regulate standards related to telecommunications.
  • It comprises 194​ Member States and more than 1000 non-government sector members.
  • Its work covers three sectors: Radiocommunication (ITU-R); Standardisation (ITU-T); Development (ITU-D).
  • ITU-R develops technical input for ITU decisions, producing standards, reports, and handbooks on various policy issues, from spectrum monitoring to radiocommunications for disaster relief.
  • ITU-T develops the standards that ensure networks and technologies connect seamlessly and influence global regulations, with regional groups which ensure standards reflect regional needs.
  • ITU-D supports digital transformation and works to close the digital divide, prioritising Global Majority countries and marginalised communities.​ Its Study Groups share strategies and build consensus on ICT priorities.
  • Over the past decade, the ITU has taken on a larger role in Internet and digital governance, for example by implementing some of the WSIS Action Lines.

Related events

Status:
Binding
Process with legally binding outcomes
Norm-setting
Process to discuss or agree on digital policy norms
Discussions
Forum to discuss digital policy issues
Deadline
Opportunity to offer written feedback or participate
Type:
Multistakeholder
Formal role for non-governmental stakeholders
Multilateral
Intergovernmental, limited stakeholder participation
Openness level:
N/A or no information about level of openness
Open - there are no or low barriers that make it easy for civil society to meaningfully participate
Partly open - there are medium barriers that make it harder for civil society to meaningfully participate
Not open - there are high barriers that make it very hard or impossible for civil society to meaningfully participate
Jul
Sep
2026 Nov
International Telecommunication Union
The 1st Meeting of the APT Preparatory Group for PP-26 (APT PP26-1)
Pattaya, THAILAND
18 Jul 2025
18 Jul 2025
The 1st Meeting of the APT Preparatory Group for PP-26 (APT PP26-1)
The European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) COM-ITU Plenary
Athens, GREECE
30 - 03 Oct 2025
30 - 03 Oct 2025
The European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) COM-ITU Plenary
ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026
Doha, QATAR
09 - 27 Nov 2026
09 - 27 Nov 2026
ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026

Why it matters

The ITU develops influential, consensus-based standards for telecommunication in each of the sectors under its mandate – ITU-R, ITU-T, ITU-D. The standards it develops shape national, regional and international policies and regulation.

Over the past decade, the ITU has taken on a larger role in Internet and digital governance, for example by implementing some of the WSIS Action Lines. This can be controversial because the ITU is a multilateral process where only States have decision-making power, risking conflict with the multistakeholder approach to Internet governance if the ITU does not engage meaningfully with non-governmental actors.

How it works

The Plenipotentiary (Plenipot) conference is held every four years. It is the highest decision-making body where ITU Member States make binding decisions shaping the next four years’ work, update texts like the Constitution and Convention, adopt resolutions on policy issues, and elect the ITU Council.

The ITU Council guides the work of the ITU, approves its budget and controls its finances, and acts as an administrative body in the period between Plenipots.

Much of the work happens in Sector Conferences and Study Groups, which take place between Pleinpots but are shaped by the resolutions and agreements reached at the Plenipot.

Decision-making at ITU conferences and meetings is reserved for governments who are allowed to vote. Non-governmental actors can join as fee-paying ‘sector’ or ‘associate’ members or as academic members.

Membership fees and other restrictions make it challenging for civil society to participate. However, some ITU events allow for broader participation. Civil society engagement is particularly key for Plenipots and coordination is vital.

How to engage

Engage in the upcoming Plenipot (PP-26), taking place in Doha, Qatar (9 – 27 November, 2026).

Engage in Sector Study Groups and Sector Conferences (e.g. ITU-T’s WTSA).

Join your national delegation to shape individual country positions and ITU outcomes (requires political support).

Join as fee-paying ‘sector’ or ‘associate’ members or as academic members.

Ask GPD for support and advice.