On May 21 and May 23, 2025, Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) successfully conducted targeted training sessions as part of the Erasmus+ DeSIRe project. These trainings aimed to strengthen essential soft skills among academic staff and students, reflecting the growing demands of the 21st-century labor market.

On May 21, the sessions were delivered for academic staff, and on May 23, for students. The following modules and MOOCs were covered during the sessions:

1. Module 2: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) – Delivered by Associate Professor Irma Grdzelidze, this session explored strategies for fostering inclusive academic environments. Through interactive discussions and case studies, participants deepened their understanding of equity, unconscious bias, and cultural sensitivity. The training emphasized institutional strategies to enhance diversity and promote a culture of respect and belonging.
2. Module 3: Essential Entrepreneurial Skills: Initiative and Proactivity – Led by Associate Professor Rusudan Sanadze, this training focused on cultivating entrepreneurial mindsets, with an emphasis on initiative, risk-taking, and proactive behavior. Real-world examples and interactive exercises enabled participants to understand how these skills are critical for academic innovation and employability.
3. MOOC 1: Effective Business Communication and Negotiation Skills – Led by Associate Professor Tinatin Davitashvili. This session introduced participants to best practices in communication within professional and academic settings. The training covered communication styles, active listening, non-verbal cues, and structured negotiation strategies. Practical simulations enabled participants to enhance their interpersonal and negotiation capabilities.
4. MOOC 2: Understanding and Developing Organizational Culture – Facilitated by PhDc Sopio Idadze, this session examined how organizational culture shapes behavior, productivity, and institutional values. The training focused on models of organizational culture, leadership influence, and strategies for cultural transformation within universities.

Each session was designed with a strong interactive component, incorporating group work, simulations, and practical templates. Each session was attended by 31 students and 51 academic staff. Totally, four sessions were attended by 124 students and 204 academic staff. The sessions promoted collaborative learning and cross-functional dialogue, contributing to a more cohesive and future-oriented university environment.

Participants reported increased competence in EDI principles, entrepreneurial thinking, effective communication, and organizational awareness. The sessions contributed to the development of transferable skills and stimulated critical reflections on personal and institutional practices.

The training sessions conducted in May 2025 represent TSU’s ongoing commitment to building inclusive, proactive, and communicative academic communities. These efforts lay the groundwork for future training cycles, ensuring sustained impact aligned with labor market needs and institutional excellence.