The International Telecommunication Union (ITU), established in May 1865, as the International Telegraph Union, is one of the oldest existing international organisations. The ITU is unique among international organisations in that it was founded on the principle of cooperation between governments and the private sector. Its membership, encompassing telecommunication policy-makers and regulators, network operators, equipment manufacturers, hardware and software developers, regional standards-making organisations and financing institutions, shapes its activities, policies and strategic direction. Singapore has been a member of the ITU since 1965.