The ICEPS, Institute for International Economic Cooperation and Development Issues, was established in 1966 as a non-profit organization, formed by representatives from the political, cultural, and business spheres.

Nel 1973 viene eretto in Ente Morale con Decreto n.1095 del Presidente della Repubblica Italiana.

In 1993, as a result of its extensive collaborative work with various specialized agencies of the United Nations, ICEPS was granted NGO consultative status with the ECOSOC (United Nations Economic and Social Council).

In 1995, the Institute was granted the status of International Organization by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Law 948/82).