ITU Council

The ITU Council was established in 1947 under the name Administrative Council, following a decision taken by the 1947 Plenipotentiary Conference in Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States.

It comprises a maximum of 25% of the total number of Member States, which are elected by the Plenipotentiary Conference with due regard to the need for equitable distribution of Council seats among the five world regions (Americas, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia). The current Council comprises 46 Member States.

The role of the Council is to consider, in the interval between plenipotentiary conferences, broad telecommunication policy issues to ensure that the Union’s activities, policies and strategies fully respond to today’s dynamic, rapidly changing telecommunication environment. It also prepares the ITU strategic plan.

In addition, the Council is responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the Union, coordinating work programmes, approving budgets and controlling finances and expenditure.

Finally, the Council takes all steps to facilitate the implementation of the provisions of the ITU Constitution, the ITU Convention, the Administrative Regulations (International Telecommunication Regulations and Radio Regulations), the decisions of plenipotentiary conferences and, where appropriate, the decisions of other conferences and meetings of the Union.

Except in the case of vacancies, Member States of the Union elected to the Council hold office until the date on which a new Council is elected by a plenipotentiary conference. Each Member State appoints a representative to serve on the Council, who may be assisted by one or more advisers. Member States of the Council are eligible for re-election.

Member States of the ITU Council
2006-2010