International Tunnelling Association (ITA)
Underground solutions for a better world
The International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation established in 1974 and headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Representing 62 Member Nations and 19 Observer Nations, ITA serves as the leading global authority on the sustainable use of underground space.
our mission
Global Recognition
Since 1987, ITA has held Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council, actively supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This recognition underscores ITA’s commitment to sustainable urban development and climate resilience.
what we do
Knowledge Exchange
Organising world-class conferences, workshops, and publications to share expertise.
Technical Excellence
Driving best practices through specialised committees and working groups.
Training & education
Advocacy
Promoting underground solutions for urban mobility, low-carbon construction, and circular economy principles.
Underground space offers smart, sustainable solutions to today’s challenges:
● Reduces surface congestion and improves urban mobility
● Enhances resilience against climate change impacts
● Supports sustainable infrastructure and eco-friendly construction
Explore the ITA Committees & Working Groups contributing to ITA WTC
ITA Committees
ITA Young Members Group (ITAym)
ITAym connects young professionals and students across the global tunnelling and underground space community. It provides a platform to exchange knowledge, share ideas, bridge generations and give the next generation of professionals a voice within ITA.
ITAtech – Committee on New Technologies
ITAtech is dedicated to bringing together engineers, manufacturers, contractors, and suppliers from across the globe to share expertise and drive innovation in the tunnelling and underground construction industry. Its mission is to support the development and adoption of emerging technologies by contributing to design and performance standards, and by promoting best-practice guidelines throughout the sector.
ITA‑CET – Committee for Education and Training & ITACET Foundation
ITA‑CET strengthens education, training and capacity building across the global ITA community. The primary role of the ITA-CET Committee is to develop pedagogical material, whilst the ITACET Foundation’s mission is to organise and help fund educational events.
ITACUS – Committee on Underground Space
ITACUS promotes the sustainable and integrated use of underground space to help cities address limited space, climate change and resilience challenges. Through dedicated activity groups, it develops innovative and practical solutions for urban adaptability, sustainability, integration and the circular economy.
ITA COSUF – Committee on Operational Safety of Underground Facilities
ITA-COSUF promotes the safe and effective operation of underground facilities. It brings together experts to exchange knowledge, share experience and develop practical approaches to operational safety, risk management and the long-term performance of tunnels and other underground infrastructure.
ITA Sustainability Committee
The aim of the Sustainability Committee is to bring experts together from the tunnel and underground industry and other organisations to give guidance on standards, processes, and solutions across ITA with the aim to enable the industry to deliver more sustainable outcomes.
ITA Forums
ITA Owners Forum
The ITA Owners Forum brings together owners, clients and procuring authorities responsible for underground infrastructure projects. The forum provides a platform for sharing experiences, discussing common challenges, and promoting best practices.
Special Interest Group
Special Interest Group on Geological Disposal Facilities (SIG GDF)
The SIG GDF supports knowledge exchange on the planning, design, construction and operation of underground facilities for the safe, long-term disposal of radioactive waste.
ITA Working Groups (WG)
ITA Working Groups bring together international experts to exchange knowledge, share practical experience and develop guidance on key aspects of tunnelling and underground-space infrastructure.
To join a Working Group, contact the Animateur and/or Vice-Animateur: ITA web page for Working Groups
WG 2 – Research (Design & Engineering)
advances research and engineering knowledge to support better tunnel design and delivery.
WG 3 – Contractual Practices
addresses contractual and procurement practices in tunnelling projects worldwide.
WG 5 – Health and Safety in Works
promotes safer working practices during construction of underground works.
WG 6 – Maintenance and Repair
focuses on inspection, maintenance and rehabilitation of tunnels and underground structures.
WG 9 – Seismic Effects
explores how seismic loading affects tunnels and underground structures.
WG 11 – Immersed and Floating Tunnels
develops knowledge and guidance on immersed and floating tunnels.
WG 12 – Sprayed Concrete Use
advances best practice in the use of sprayed concrete in tunnelling.
WG 14 – Mechanised Tunnelling
focuses on mechanised tunnelling and TBM‑related practice.
WG 15 – Underground and Environment
addresses environmental aspects of underground works across the project lifecycle.
WG 17 – Long Tunnels at Great Depth
tackles the unique challenges of long and deep tunnels.
WG 19 – Conventional Tunnelling
focuses on conventional tunnelling methods and their application worldwide.
WG 20 – Urban Problems, Underground Solutions
promotes underground solutions to pressing urban challenges.
WG 21 – Life Cycle Asset Management
advances life‑cycle thinking and asset management for underground infrastructure.
WG 22 – Digitalisation & Automation
focuses on digital tools and information modelling in tunnelling, including BIM, digital twins, AI, machine learning and automation.
WG 23 – Design & Construction of Shafts
focuses on the design and construction of shafts, recognising their complexity and higher construction risks compared with tunnels.