A working meeting was held at Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University in the framework of the Erasmus + CBHE RURD project – Role of Universities in Regional Development. The event was attended by the Rector of BSU, Professor Merab  Khalvashi, Badri Nakashidze, Minister of Education, Culture and Sports of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, Tinatin Zoidze, Chair of the Department of Tourism and Resorts of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, professors and teachers.

Researchers involved in the project: Project Coordinator at BSU Assoc. Professor Khatuna Beridze, Professors – Marine Giorgadze and Gaioz Partskhaladze conducted presentations for the participants of the event and shared their experience gained in cooperation with the EU regional universities.

Under the auspices of the project, BSU signed a memorandum of cooperation with the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports of Ajara A.R, the Ministry of Health of Ajara A.R., the Department of Tourism and Resorts of the Autonomous Republic of Ajara and the Center for Assessment of the Technical Condition of Buildings.

The aim of the project is to increase the role of Georgian regional higher education institutions in the development of the regions in cooperation with the EU partners, modernize their mission and strategic development plan, as well as strengthen cooperation between the universities and the local authorities taking into account the specifics of each region.

In the frame of the project, on July the 9^th 2021 A Permanent Rector’s’ Conference of the Regional Universities was established with the aim to discuss the issues and challenges specific for the region.

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