The IIW was founded in 1948 by the welding institutes or societies in 13 countries to promote international collaboration in welding.  With 43 member countries, the objectives of the organisation are:

• to promote the development of welding and to provide for the exchange of scientific and
• technical information on welding research and education
• to assist in the formulation of international standards for welding
• to promote the organisation of national welding associations

The Welding Technology Institute of Australia is the Australian Representative Body to the IIW. The WTIA also nominates Australian representatives for the various Commissions of the IIW, submits entries to the various IIW Awards, and is a repository of IIW documents in Australia.