The training tools developed by UN-HABITAT address core areas of knowledge, skill and expertise that are required for sustainable urban development. The tools are easily adapted to varied regional and national contexts, and many are available in different languages. The tools have been 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 current training and capacity building tools address the following issues:

• Distance Learning
• Elected Leadership
• Gender in Local Government
• Local Economic Development
• Management, Planning and Conflict Resolution
• Manual: Training Needs Assessment and Training Outcome Evaluation
• Municipal Finance
• Participatory Budgeting
• Sustainable Urban Energy
• Sustainable Urbanization
• Training for better cities
• Training Impact Evaluation
• Transparency

The tools are available as free downloads via the pages above or can be ordered as hard copies. To search for a specific title, see publications