A ten-day intensive teaching and research training course has been launched at the Georgian Technical University, within the framework of the CIF grant project, which aims to establish an innovative master's program focused on the sustainable development of mountain regions. The project is implemented in close cooperation with the UNIMONT Research Center of the University of Milan and is directly related to strengthening the educational and scientific capabilities of the GTU Faculty of Mountain Sustainability.

Training courses “The Art and Practice of Syllabus Design”, which includes methodologies for creating a modern curriculum and disciplinary integration; International seasonal school “Teaching Sustainable Mountain Development”, which aims to share international experience and best practices; The design of the Master’s degree program “Sustainable Development of Mountainous Areas”, which will be developed in partnership with the UNIMONT Center, is being carried out by leading Italian researchers and scientists – Professor Stefano Corsi, Dr. Annamaria Giorgi and Dr. Riccardo Gagetti.

The official opening ceremony of the training was led by the Vice-Rector of the Georgian Technical University, who emphasized the project’s importance in the context of Georgia’s sustainable development and in terms of strengthening the country’s engagement in the international academic space. As Professor Tamar Lominadze noted, the involvement of Italian scientists in the project ensures both European academic quality and the sharing of international research experience with Georgian colleagues.

“Sustainable mountain development is one of the most important priorities for modern Georgia. A significant part of the territory of our country is occupied by mountainous zones, where rich natural resources, unique ecosystems, and cultural heritage are concentrated. That is why the strategic determination of this direction by the state is a necessary basis for the socio-economic and ecological security of the country. The creation of a master's program in sustainable mountain development at the Georgian Technical University within the framework of the CIF grant project is a step that organically coincides with the vision of the government of our country. The fact that education at the newly created faculty is carried out entirely with state funding is a clear confirmation that the government pays special attention to the education of highly developed personnel who meet European standards. This is a consistent and far-reaching step in educational policy, which will contribute to the process of sustainable development in the mountainous regions of the country,” said GTU Vice-rector, Tamar Lominadze.

Rector of the Georgian Technical University, Academician David Gurgenidze, commented on the development of a new master’s degree program at the Faculty of Sustainable Mountain Development and stated that the initiative is one of the most important stages in the strategic development of the university.

According to him, the goal of the program is to offer the next generation interdisciplinary knowledge that combines environmental, social, economic, and engineering components. According to David Gurgenidze, the implementation of the program will contribute to the education of a new generation of specialists who will be able to develop strategies for the sustainable development of mountainous regions, as well as implement innovative approaches in agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, and ecological management.

“The issues of sustainable development of mountainous areas, against the backdrop of modern global challenges, are becoming particularly important for Georgia. Our university’s mission is to develop educational programs that provide academic knowledge and practical skills to solve real problems. The new master’s program will serve as a platform that combines local experience with international practice. The international component stands out—the program is being developed in cooperation with the UNIMONT Center at the University of Milan. This partnership enables the transfer of European experience and innovative approaches and involves our university in international academic and research networks. Large-scale projects like this are only possible with support from state structures. Thanks to government initiative and funding, students can receive high-quality education at no cost. The work of our faculty’s academic and scientific staff, who advance this government-initiated effort daily, is greatly appreciated. The creation of a Master’s program in Sustainable Mountain Development is a unique opportunity. It strengthens Georgia’s educational system, supports national priorities, and establishes international partnerships,” says David Gurgenidze.

As part of the project, we opened the CIF Systems Laboratory and the Mountain Sustainable Development Center at the Faculty of Sustainable Mountain Development. These centers support education and research that meet international standards.