12 Facts About ITU

ITU was initially aimed at helping connect telegraphic networks between countries, with its mandate consistently broadening with the advent of new communications technologies; it adopted its current name in 1934 to reflect its expanded responsibilities over radio and the telephone.

On 15 November 1947, the ITU entered into an agreement with the newly created United Nations to become a specialized agency within the UN system, which formally entered into force on 1 January 1949.

ITU promotes the shared global use of the radio spectrum, facilitates international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, assists in developing and coordinating worldwide technical standards, and works to improve telecommunication infrastructure in the developing world.

ITU is one of the oldest international organizations still in operation, second only to the Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine, which predates it by several decades.

ITU was re-elected on 1 November 2018 during the 2018 Plenipotentiary Conference in Dubai.

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ITU's received 139 votes out of 172, defeating Russia's Rashid Ismailov.

ITU's is the first woman to serve as the ITU Secretary-General.

The most recent member state to join the ITU is South Sudan, which became a member on 14 July 2011.

ITU is divided into five administrative regions, designed to streamline administration of the organization.

ITU operates six regional offices, as well as seven area offices.

In December 2012, the ITU facilitated The World Conference on International Telecommunications 2012 in Dubai.

ITU called for a public consultation on a draft document ahead of the conference.