The training tools developed by UN-HABITAT are generic in nature and suited for adaptation to varied regional and national contexts. They are developed through an extensive engagement of target beneficiaries, users and partners through strategy workshops, expert group meetings and field testing. The manuals are primarily designed for training purposes but can be used independently as handbooks, and reference materials by managers, professionals, and community leaders.

Each training manual is part of a series that includes concepts, strategies and training tools designed for group work, self-reflection and learning. Each series in turn is designed to cover different aspects of the subject matter in a modular fashion.

The UN-HABITAT training tools are deliberately designed in a generic format to facilitate easy translation and/or adaptation to the local and national context. For example, the training manuals on local leadership roles and competencies have been translated into 25 languages. The adaptation process involves translation, contextualization, validation and piloting before their countrywide use.

The Training and Capacity Building tools deal with a series of issues mainly: Elected Leadership, Municipal Finance, Participatory Planning, Participatory Budgeting, Transparency, Local Economic Development, Conflict Management, Distance Learning.