The ITU is governed by the Plenipotentiary Conference and the ITU Council.

The Plenipotentiary Conference is the highest policy-making body of the Union. Held every four years, it determines the future direction of the Union and its activities.

The Council acts as the Union’s governing body in the interval between Plenipotentiary Conferences. Meeting once a year, it ensures that the Union’s activities, policies and strategies fully respond to the rapidly evolving telecommunications environment. It prepares a report on the policy and strategic planning of the ITU, and is responsible for ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the Union, coordinating work programmes, approving budgets and controlling finances and expenditure.

The Council works to facilitate the implementation of provisions and decisions of the ITU Constitution, the ITU Convention, the Administrative Regulations (International Telecommunications Regulations and Radio Regulations), Plenipotentiary Conferences and, where appropriate, other conferences and meetings of the Union.