In November 2025, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University hosted a cycle of soft skills trainings within the framework of the Erasmus+ CBHE project “Development of Soft Skills at Higher Education Institutions of Armenia and Georgia in Compliance with the 21st Century Labour Market Requirements (DeSIRe)”. The trainings engaged BSU academic and administrative staff, students from various faculties, and other stakeholders.

The trainings were based on modules developed by the project’s partner universities, including the Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Ireland, and other European higher education institutions, and focused on soft and multidisciplinary skills that are particularly in demand on the modern labour market. At BSU, the following thematic trainings were implemented:

• MOOC 1 – Effective Business Communication and Negotiation Skills
• MOOC 4 – Conflict Management and Decision-Making Skills
• Module 5 – Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills
• MOOC 5 – Emotional and Social Intelligence

Throughout the sessions, contemporary teaching methods and active learning formats were used, which promoted high participant engagement, the development of critical and creative thinking, and the strengthening of effective communication, negotiation, conflict management, and emotional and social skills, closely linked to real work and learning situations.

According to students, the trainings were distinguished by practical assignments, an interactive format and examples tailored to everyday experience. Staff noted that the sessions contributed to their professional development, deepened the culture of collaboration, improved the university’s internal communication and decision-making processes, and strengthened student-oriented services.

The trainings were delivered by BSU professors: Ramin Tsinaridze, Irine Tsintsadze, Irakli Giorgiladze and Nani Mamuladze.

The main goal of the project is to develop soft and multidisciplinary skills at universities that are aligned with the requirements of the 21st-century labour market and support the creation of an inclusive, innovative and collaborative academic environment. The training cycle implemented at BSU represents an important step towards the systematic strengthening of the skills of the university’s academic and administrative staff, students and partner organisations.