The OC is charged with the high-level planning and coordination of the activities of the IAU in the broad sphere of astronomy education and development. It is appointed at each IAU General Assembly, subject to the approval of the Executive Committee (IAU By-Laws 22). The OC has the following composition, members being drawn from all fields of activity (reappointments allowed)
- the present and past Presidents and the Vice-President(s) of Commission 46
- a member of the Executive Committee (EC), appointed by the EC
- the chairs of all active Program Groups