The Informal UN Reference Group on Infrastructure Asset Management
Strategic Guidance. Global Expertise. Local Impact.
Helping shape the UN’s infrastructure asset management work through independent advice, expert collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
The UN Reference Group on Infrastructure Asset Management (IAM) brings together a diverse network of global experts to guide and strengthen the United Nations' technical assistance on IAM. Convened by the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), the group ensures that UN support for infrastructure management is effective, relevant, and scalable in developing countries.
Our mission
To ensure that the UN’s work on infrastructure asset management:
- Reflects the latest knowledge and good practice,
- Responds to country needs and local realities, and
- Aligns with global standards and initiatives on sustainability, resilience, and inclusive service delivery.
What the Reference Group Does
- Advises on strategic direction for the UN’s IAM capacity development efforts
- Reviews and enhances the quality, relevance, and usability of tools such as the IAM Handbook and diagnostic platform
- Connects the UN IAM team with cutting-edge initiatives and stakeholder networks
- Promotes advocacy, visibility, and alignment with international financing and development agendas
- Explores emerging topics, such as climate-smart maintenance, digital registries, and finance-readiness frameworks
Members contribute in their personal capacity and participate voluntarily.
Who We Are
The Reference Group includes members from:
- Multilateral and regional development banks
- National and local government agencies
- Professional associations
- Academic institutions and think tanks
- Civil society and private sector leaders
Maria Alejandra | Specialist in Disaster Risk and Climate Change |
Babati Mokgethi | Senior Urban Development Officer at African Development Bank Group |
Therese Turner-Jones | Acting Vice President of Operations and Director of Projects at the Caribbean Development Bank |
Helena Alegre | Principal researcher at the National Civil Engineering Laboratory (LNEC) and Director of the research unit, Hydraulics and Environment Department |
Alice Merchant | Director of Asset Information, New York Power Authority (NYPA) |
Ursula Bryan | CEO, Institute of Asset Management |
Tiffany Batac | Convenor of the ISO 55011, Director of Infrastructure Asset Management and Strategy at KPMG LLP |
Somesh Sharma | Lecturer and Researcher at IHS Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam |
Mike Bordonaro | Executive Director of the Asset Leadership Network |
David Jackson | Director, Local Transformative Finance at UN Capital Development Fund |
Geoffrey Morgan | Technical and Team Lead for Sustainable, Resilient and Inclusive Infrastructure at UNOPS |
Ajay Lavakare | Senior Advisor, CDRI |
Peter Kohler | Executive Liaison Commissioner at the Asset Management Council |
Matthew Perks | Founder and CEO of New Energy Events |
It offers geographic and gender balance, and spans disciplines from engineering and economics to public finance, planning, and environmental governance.
How It Works
- Informal but focused: Members serve in their personal capacity and are not remunerated
- Flexible and collaborative: The group meets twice a year and may launch optional workstreams on specific themes
- Mostly virtual: Meetings are held online, with occasional in-person gatherings alongside major UN or partner events
Want to Get Involved?
We welcome expressions of interest from individuals and institutions aligned with the mission of the UN IAM initiative. Partners may:
- Nominate experts to the group
- Collaborate on thematic workstreams
- Host peer learning events or support tool development
- Help amplify results across stakeholder networks
Contact the UN DESA IAM Team to learn more about collaboration or to propose engagement with the Reference Group.