IODE has three types of programmatic elements:
- Programme Component (PC): action with core UNESCO/IOC RP funding and staff support, supplemented by in-kind and/or extra-budgetary support, that enables the action to operate on a sustainable basis. Programme Components are the IODE core actions.
- Programme Activity (PA): Long-term action receiving minimal UNESCO/IOC RP funding supplemented by in-kind and/or extra-budgetary support. These activities are associated with a Programme Component.
- Project: Action that is limited in time and is fully funded from extra-budgetary sources. These actions are associated either directly with a Programme Component or with a Programme Activity.