Draft Statement of Mission and Core Values
Posted: 2 September 2002

Committee on ICANN Evolution and Reform
Draft Statement of Mission and Core Values
2 September 2002

To the ICANN Community:

The ICANN Evolution and Reform Committee has prepared the following Draft Statement of Mission and Core Values, which incorporates changes to the version published as part of the 20 June 2002 document entitled "ICANN: A Blueprint for Reform" to reflect various comments received from the community. As noted in the Evolution and Reform Committee's Second Interim Implementation Report, the proper articulation of ICANN's mission and core values is a very important element of ICANN reform. Additional comments on this draft are therefore invited.

Committee on ICANN Evolution and Reform
2 September 2002

ICANN's Mission

The Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) is the private-sector body responsible for coordinating, at the overall level, the global Internet's systems of unique identifiers.

The mission of ICANN is to coordinate the stable and secure operation of the Internet's unique identifier systems. In particular, ICANN:

a. Coordinates the allocation and assignment of three sets of unique identifiers for the Internet; i.e.,

• Domain names (forming a system referred to as "DNS");
• Internet protocol (IP) addresses and autonomous system (AS) numbers; and
• Protocol port and parameter numbers.

b. Coordinates the operation and evolution of the DNS's root name server system.

c. Coordinates policy-development reasonably and appropriately related to these technical functions.

ICANN's Core Values

In performing its mission, ICANN adheres to these core values and principles:

1. Preserve and enhance the operational stability, reliability, security, and global interoperability of the Internet.

2. Respect the creativity and innovation made possible by the Internet by limiting ICANN's activities to those matters within ICANN's mission requiring or significantly benefiting from global coordination.

3. To the extent feasible and appropriate, delegate coordination functions to or recognize the policy role of other responsible entities that reflect the interests of affected parties.

4. Seek and support broad, informed participation reflecting the functional, geographic, and cultural diversity of the Internet, at all levels of policy development and decision-making.

5. Where feasible and appropriate, depend on market mechanisms to promote and sustain a competitive environment.

6. Introduce and promote competition in the registration of domain names where practicable and beneficial in the public interest.

7. Employ open and transparent policy development mechanisms that (a) promote well-informed decisions based on expert advice, and (b) ensure that those entities most affected can assist in the policy development process.

8. Make decisions by applying documented policies neutrally and objectively, with integrity and fairness.

9. Act with a speed that is responsive to the needs of the Internet while, as part of the decision-making process, obtaining informed input from those entities most affected.

10. Remain accountable to the Internet community through mechanisms that enhance ICANN's effectiveness.

11. Take into account the views of governments and public authorities responsible for public policy, so that the need for direct governmental action is minimized.

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