The International Telecommunication Union, through the Telecommunication Development Bureau (BDT), organizes a
World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC) every four years and a number of
Regional Preparatory Meetings (RPMs) within that same period.
The Telecommunication Development Conferences serve as forums for free discussion by all concerned with the Development Sector. In addition, they review the numerous programmes and projects of the Sector and BDT. Results are reported and new projects are launched. The World Conferences set the agenda and the guidelines for the following four-year cycle, while the Regional Conferences review "work-in-progress" towards the overall objectives and ensure that goals are met.
Each Regional Preparatory Meeting brings together the countries in its region to explore and discuss their needs and the present and future projects of the Sector.