The handbook provides guidance for national and local policymakers on the management of their assets in support of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In clear and accessible language, it introduces the reader to the basic principles of managing physical assets like equipment and machinery, public land, buildings and infrastructure facilities in the most cost effective and sustainable manner. It introduces a number of practical and field-tested tools to help local and central governments assess their asset management needs and develop comprehensive and proactive asset management frameworks, policies and strategies. The publication places special emphasis on far-sighted and effective actions that integrate financial, lifecycle and demand aspects of asset management. Topical deep dives cover the implications of Covid-19 and climate change on asset management; measures that help build statistical and data capacity as well as guidance on creating an enabling environment for local asset management at the national level. Short case studies, practical exercises and references to reading materials throughout the book aim to further contextualise the content and engage the reader