From Diagnosis to Action: Strengthening Public Services in Developing Cities through UN Infrastructure Asset Management Tools

This Capstone will support over 200 cities worldwide in introducing a new whole of government approach to strengthen the sustainability and resilience of their infrastructure in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The program draws on a range of practical tools for public officials to more effectively manage local and national infrastructure from roads and electricity grids to water and sanitation systems.

Investments in infrastructure often suffer from mismanagement of budgets, human and material resources.To address these inefficiencies, the Capstone team will carry out a desk-based policy and institutional analysis at both national and subnational levels, employing literature reviews, stakeholder interviews, and comparative case studies. Beyond assessing the current state of infrastructure asset management, the team will help develop concrete proposals, models, or strategic recommendations for local government asset management. They will also adapt the UN Diagnostic Tool by incorporating field-based insights and lessons learned from its application. This integrated applied research seeks to bridge theory and practice, delivering actionable recommendations that strengthen infrastructure governance and improve operational efficiency in the selected context.