An Intergovernmental Council composed of 39 member states is elected by UNESCO's General Conference, taking into account the need to ensure equitable geographical distribution and appropriate rotation. 

The Council is responsible for:

• Policy-making, guiding the planning and the implementation of the Programme;
• Approving priorities of the Programme;
• Reviewing and assessing achievements on the basis of implementation and evaluation reports on the projects and defining the basic areas requiring increased international cooperation;
• Reviewing ways and means whereby Member States might participate more effectively in the International Programme for the Development of Communication;
• Approving an appropriate system of financing for the Programme in order to secure the necessary resources for the benefit of those requesting assistance from the Programme.

The Council normally meets in a regular plenary session once every two years. Extraordinary sessions may be convened as specified in the Council’s Rules of Procedure.  

• Last IPDC Council session:
  29th IPDC Council session, 20-21 November 2014
• Next IPDC Council session:
  30th IPDC Council session, 17-18 November 2016