On 25 October 2023, Sokhumi State University hosted the National Awareness Day for the DeSIRe project, organized jointly with Tbilisi State University, Batumi State University, and Ilia State University.

The event opened with welcome addresses from Sokhumi State University’s leadership: Professor Zurab Khonelidze, Rector; Professor David Jalagonia, Head of Administration; Professor Nino Topuridze, Speaker of the Representative Council; Professor Indira Dzagania, Head of the Department of International Relations and Intercultural Relations.

The speakers highlighted the crucial importance of soft skills and entrepreneurial knowledge for students.

The academic session featured presentations from:

• Professor Dimitri Japaridze (Ilia State University) on developing soft skills in higher education programmes to meet labour market needs;
•  Professor Irma Grdzelidze (Tbilisi State University) on empowering students through soft skills;
• Professor Indira Dzagania (Sokhumi State University) on ensuring quality education for future careers.

A special discussion session encouraged lively conversations between students, educators, and administrators about integrating communication, teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving into higher education. Together, participating universities reaffirmed their commitment to the DeSIRe mission: creating an education system that equips young people with both knowledge and essential skills for success.