In today’s rapidly evolving job market, particularly within the ICT sector, soft skills have emerged as a critical differentiator for success. As technology continues to advance, the demand for professionals who not only possess technical expertise but also excel in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability is on the rise. Soft skills are becoming increasingly essential for navigating the complexities of modern work environments and driving innovation within organizations.
Help through implementation of the RECONOMY program is proud to to support “Quick Start” in this meaningful initiative, which aims to address this pressing need by fostering the development of these crucial competencies.
As we are facing significant challenges, particularly regarding unequal economic and territorial development, many regions struggle with limited access to well-paid, sustainable jobs, especially youth, woman and the most disadvantaged. In response to these challenges, a critical gap in labor market was recognized: the deficiency in soft skills. Consequently, the regional Soft Skills Conference specifically tailored to the needs of the sector was held in Yerevan, Armenia on 26th of July.
The conference drew robust engagement, with 149 registered participants and over 90 attendees representing HR professionals, education experts, and industry managers. These participants gathered to delve into the evolving demands of the labor market, particularly the increasing importance of soft skills.
Irina Stamatović, speaking on behalf of Help opened the conference by outlining the strategic objectives of the RECONOMY initiative. She emphasized the program’s commitment to driving systemic change that is both sustainable and socially inclusive.
“Our mission through RECONOMY is to catalyze sustainable, large-scale impact by ensuring that women, youth, and marginalized communities benefit from enhanced economic opportunities, improved income levels, and access to green, decent jobs. A key component of our approach is fostering regional cooperation among Eastern Partnership countries, contributing to broader, inclusive economic development”, outlined Stamatović.
The event, titled “Soft Skills for the Modern Job Market,” was designed to present critical findings from a recent study by Quick Start, offering valuable insights for industry leaders and stakeholders. During the two-hour session, attendees were presented with results from Quick Start’s research, which was driven by a need to adapt to changing market strategies.
A panel discussion, moderated by industry expert Samvel Gevorgyan, served as a focal point of the event. Panelists shared their organizations’ experiences, highlighting the vital role of soft skills and the actionable steps they have taken to foster these competencies within their teams. Gevorgyan guided the discussion with precision, addressing numerous questions from the engaged audience.
Guest speakers from Georgia further enriched the conversation by sharing their perspectives on the growing importance of soft skills in their local markets and the freelance sector. The conference concluded with a practical session led by trainer Anna Konyoryan, who introduced four actionable methods for developing these crucial skills.
As the RECONOMY initiative continues to support the development of key professional skills, this conference underscored the critical importance of soft skills in fostering inclusive economic growth and enhancing the competitiveness of the workforce across the region.
Help is the implementing partner of Helvetas in the RECONOMY initiative, and RECONOMY is an inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in partnership with Help-Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe and others in the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkan countries.
