The International Telecommunication Union

Summary form only given. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is the oldest specialized agency of the United Nations, far older, in fact, than the UN itself. The ITU is unique in the sense that while it is first and foremost an intergovernmental organization, it very much is a partnership between the public and private sectors. Indeed, given the explosive growth occurring in the telecommunication sector and the transformations occurring around the world, this partnership is its very strength. Radiocommunications is also playing an ever increasing role in the technological evolution which we are witnessing. This article reviews the history of the ITU, the changes in its structure and functioning and measures being considered to further adapt the ITU to the changing telecommunication environment.