Training has been an integral part of IHS since its inception and remains central to our mission: empowering the urban changemakers of tomorrow. Today, our training activities are primarily supported by national governments and international development actors who recognise the quality, rigour, and practical value that IHS brings aboard.
Our Training Services
Whether delivered in-person or online, our programmes are designed to be flexible, impactful, and relevant—shaped by decades of experience and driven by our passion for inclusive and sustainable urban development.
At IHS, our training activities fall into three key categories:
- Tailor-Made Trainings
- Short Courses
- Capacity Development
Each serves different audiences and objectives, but all are designed to deliver high-quality, practice-oriented learning experiences.
Tailor-Made Training is one of the core strengths at IHS. These programmes are co-developed with clients and partners, designed specifically for individual organisations to ensure maximum relevance and impact. Each bespoke training is shaped around the organisation’s specific needs and thematic priorities, addressing the unique context and goals of its target participants
By aligning content with participants’ needs and institutional goals, TMTs offer a steep learning curve and high applicability in real-world settings.
Main topics of our training programmes include:
- Housing and informal settlements
- Climate change and urban resilience
- Sustainable cities and nature-based solutions
- Urban development and spatial planning
Unlike tailor-made trainings which are co-developed with and for specific organisations, short courses are ready-made, pre-designed courses offered on a recurring basis.
They are open to individual professionals, often self-funded, seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in specific areas of urban development. They are scheduled when a minimum number of participants is reached, ensuring a dynamic and interactive learning environment. These courses combine academic insights with practical tools, empowering participants to apply what they learn directly to their urban contexts.
Capacity development is most commonly delivered as part of Technical Assistance programmes and focuses on transforming organisational practices and systems. These initiatives require the long-term, systematic development of skills and knowledge among individuals to improve their ability to plan, manage, and implement urban development effectively.
IHS typically participates in such projects by partnering with global engineering and development consultancy firms on large-scale urban transformation initiatives.
How we work
At IHS, we approach training with a strong commitment to impact and quality. Each programme is carefully designed to deliver tailored solutions that maximise learning outcomes and knowledge retention.
To enrich the learning experience, we frequently invite guest lecturers and practitioners who bring fresh insights and cutting-edge expertise.
Commitment to Excellence
Professional excellence is at the core of everything we do. We continuously monitor and improve our training programmes through:
- Participant evaluations
- Client feedback
- Internal quality reviews
This feedback-driven approach ensures that each training remains relevant, engaging, and aligned with the evolving needs of urban professionals around the world.
