The IPA is the major as well as the oldest representative organisation for phoneticians. It was established in 1886 in Paris. 2011 marked the 125th anniversary of the founding of the IPA, and 2013 is the 125th anniversary of the first publication of the International Phonetic Alphabet and the formulation of the principles.

The aim of the IPA is to promote the scientific study of phonetics and the various practical applications of that science.