From 1962 the ITI had relations of consultation and association with UNESCO, being among its A-Category Non-Governmental Organizations. In June 1996 following UNESCO’s review of its relations with NGOs, the ITI obtained a new status, being one of a limited number of umbrella NGOs admitted to formal associate relations with UNESCO. That same year, UNESCO signed a Framework Agreement with the ITI for six years, which was renewed in 2002 and again in 2008.

Through the Framework Agreement the ITI is contracted to advise UNESCO on matters of theatre and cooperate with UNESCO in the following areas:

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Since the beginning of the Framework Agreement, invaluable seed money and moral support has been provided to the ITI network by UNESCO through its Culture Sector. These relate to the above mentioned areas and include festivals, workshops for young professionals, conferences, congresses and creative work throughout the world.

UNESCO support to ITI projects is a major means of sustaining cultural diversity. It is a vital contribution to the growth of cultural and artistic activities and industries in developing countries and emerging democracies. UNESCO support also functions as a catalyst and enables ITI Centres organizing international events and activities to attract further support of all kinds, thus multiplying their initial resources.

The ITI is convinced that nurturing the performing arts is an absolute necessity if cultural heritage is to remain a living asset and not become a museum piece. There is widespread agreement that preserving cultural heritage in the performing arts is not simply labelling, stocking and preventing degeneration of ancient forms. It is also encouraging growth and evolution of performing art forms in accordance with their inner dynamic, the vision of their creative artists and the needs of contemporary audiences.

The ITI has always recognized the essential role of culture and the performing arts in development.

Today, like UNESCO, the ITI sees the need to emphasize even more strongly the complementarity of the cultural and economic aspects of development.

The ITI also has observer status with ECOSOC (UNO) and the Council of Europe. It participates in the work of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the UNESCO International Education Bureau.