Intersputnik is a member of two sectors of the International Telecommunication Union –Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) and Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R). This represents an ITU Gold Member status. Cooperation between Intersputnik and ITU is governed by an agreement1 between the Director General of Intersputnik and the Secretary General of the ITU, signed in 1983. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) is a specialised agency of the United Nations for information and communication technologies (ICT). Alongside its 193 Member States, ITU collaborates with over 900 Sector Members, including public and private communications entities, scientific and educational institutions, as well as international and regional organisations, to shape the course of ICT innovation. ITU, founded over 150 years ago, serves as an intergovernmental organisation tasked with several key responsibilities. These include coordinating the equitable distribution of radio frequency spectrum globally, fostering international collaboration in satellite orbits utilisation, enhancing communication infrastructure in less developed nations, and establishing universal standards to guarantee the smooth interoperability of diverse communication systems worldwide.

The Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) is working to ensure that all humankind can use and benefit from ICT development. ITU-D projects aim to bridge the digital divide between developed and developing countries. The sector's mandate is to promote international cooperation and create a favourable environment for development in the field of communications and ICT. Participation in the ITU-D sector allows Intersputnik to improve the efficiency of ICT projects in different regions of the world, as well as humanitarian and research missions. Close cooperation with other ITU-D members creates a favourable environment for the Organization's contribution to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

ITU-R is responsible for global management of radio spectrum and satellite orbits. The stated mission of ITU-R aims to ensure the rational, equitable, efficient and economical use of the radio-frequency spectrum by all radiocommunication services. Intersputnik, acting as an intergovernmental organization on behalf of its Members and Signatories, is continuously making filings to ITU for frequency allocations, the subsequent international frequency coordination and notification of frequency allocations for the satellite networks of the Organization. These allocations are subsequently used in joint satellite projects in various regions of the world.

As envisioned by the architects, the upcoming headquarters will serve to strengthen ITU's stature as the preeminent global institution for peace and cooperation. It will underscore the organisation's dedication to sustainable technological advancement, which is accessible to all, thus reflecting its commitment to inclusive development. The building will be located on Place des Nations in the heart of Geneva's international district.

Implementation period: 2023-2026.

As a component of the new ITU headquarters initiative, Intersputnik is supporting the establishment of a 200-seat cafeteria named Intersputnik Café. This venue aims to serve as a hub for informal engagement among stakeholders in the satellite market and the telecommunications sector. Such informal interaction will advance the development of global ICT infrastructure and enhance participation in the digital economy of tomorrow. Participation in this project symbolises the involvement of Intersputnik, Member States and Signatories in global processes related to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the elimination of the digital divide. The new ITU headquarters will be a platform where the most pressing problems and challenges of our time will be successfully addressed, including implementation of advanced satellite technologies.