As explained in the Abstract of this Internet Coordination Policy Statement, the Internet Domain Name System (DNS) "is intended to provide a convenient means of referring to sites available on the Internet. By offering users an easy-to-use and reliable means of unambiguously referring to websites, e-mail servers, and the Internet's many other services, the DNS has helped the Internet achieve its promise as a global communications medium for commerce, research, education, and cultural and other expressive activities....

"Although the Internet allows a high degree of decentralized activities, coordination of the assignment function by a single authority is necessary where unique parameter values are technically required. Because of the uniqueness requirement, the content and operation of the DNS root must be coordinated by a central entity.

"...Traditionally, the responsibility for performing the central coordinating functions of the global Internet for the public good, including management of the unique public DNS root, has been carried out by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (the IANA). ICANN's core mission is to continue the work of the IANA in a more formalized and globally representative framework, to ensure the views of all the Internet's stakeholders are taken into account in carrying out this public trust..."

From a technical point of view, this policy statement is important In terms of the smooth functioning of the Internet's architecture.

In terms of international Internet governance, this policy statement reflects an orientation toward the centralized administration of the Internet's infrastructure. Not all governments are comfortable with this approach. Indeed, largely due to concerns over jurisdiction and sovereignty, many governments have called for the United Nations to run the DNS. However, this approach has dominated in the Internet's early years.