The International Council for Traditional Music is an Non-Governmental Organisation in formal consultative relations with UNESCO. Its aims are to further the study, practice, documentation, preservation and dissemination of traditional music —including folk, popular, classical and urban music— and dance of all countries. To these ends the Council organises World Conferences, Symposia and Colloquia.

The Council publishes the Yearbook for Traditional Music (available to institutions via JSTOR), the online Bulletin of the ICTM, and maintains an online Membership Directory. It also supervises the preparation and publication of journals and bulletins.

Through its wide international representation the Council acts as a bond among peoples of different cultures and thus serves the peace of humankind.