DEVELOPING UNIVERSAL COMPETENCIES IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS: GLOBAL CHALLENGES AND THREATS

The modern world order, characterized by variability, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, along with the rapid digital transformation of all social spheres, creates new challenges for higher education systems around the world. Universities face the task of preparing graduates with not only deep professional knowledge, but also a set of universal competencies that allow them to navigate instability, adapt to constant changes and withstand the multifaceted challenges of our time. The article presents a conceptualization of the development of universal competencies among university students as a strategic response to these challenges. Based on the analysis of academic literature, the authors of the article identify the main approaches to the formation and development of key universal competencies necessary for graduates of the new formation. Clusters of key competencies (communication skills, adaptability, digital literacy, critical and creative thinking, emotional intelligence, and lifelong learning) have been formed and the content of each of them has been determined. In addition, the factors of the educational environment that influence the formation of universal competencies are identified, such as the digital educational environment, innovative pedagogical approaches, organizational culture and professional development of teaching staff. The results of the theoretical analysis indicate the need for a paradigm shift in higher education towards promoting the holistic development of graduates, integrating universal competencies into curricula, and creating an institutional culture that values adaptability, innovation, and continuous learning. The research materials contribute to the development of higher education pedagogy in terms of training internationally competitive graduates capable of solving complex and modern tasks.