Innovative Approaches to Urban Infrastructure Management: Insights from Japan and Global Applications

In the world of rapid urbanization, where 7 in 10 people are expected to live in cities by 2050, cities must have urban resilience and livability ensured with quality urban infrastructure. Urban infrastructure investment needs are projected at $4.5 to $5.4 trillion annually through 2030. To deliver and maintain the urban infrastructure as well as the quality level of local services have been key agendas for knowledge sharing initiatives of the World Bank Tokyo Development Learning Center (TDLC).

On June 17, 2025, experts and stakeholders gathered for a seminar on Innovative Approaches to Urban Infrastructure Management, organized by TDLC in collaboration with the Quality Infrastructure Investment (QII) Partnership and the Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF).

The event featured presentations from the World Bank, Japan’s Ministry of Finance (MoF), Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Fukuoka City, University of Tokyo, and private sector entities. The seminar focused on infrastructure longevity plans, multi-stakeholder engagement in operation and maintenance (O&M), local government initiatives, and mobilizing public-private partnerships (PPPs) in urban infrastructure management. Participants learned about Japan's structured and preventive maintenance strategies, community-based and data-driven approaches, and the importance of engaging diverse stakeholders in sustainable asset management.

The event started off with the framing presentation by Jane Jamieson from the QII and GIF of the World Bank Group highlighted the high returns of investing in resilient infrastructure, with every $1 invested yielding $4 in benefits. A shift from "breakdown maintenance" to "preventive maintenance" is vital for reducing costs and extending asset lifespans.