Critical Soft Skills for Sustainability in Higher Education: A Multi-Phase Qualitative Study

Sustainability requires a holistic perspective beyond technological advancements, integrating relational and socio-emotional dimensions critical for addressing the complexity of contemporary challenges. In this context, interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, often referred to as soft skills, emerge as central elements, particularly within the educational domain. This article aims to identify critical soft skills for sustainability and systematize educational practices supporting their development and integration into higher education. Employing a methodological framework grounded in Design-Based Research (DBR) and Design Thinking (DT), this research was conducted in three phases: (i) immersion, (ii) content analysis, and (iii) synthesis. The results identify 19 soft skills, grouped into four main categories: (i) Communication, Collaboration, and Diversity Management; (ii) Self-Awareness and Emotional Management; (iii) Environmental, Cultural, and Social Awareness; and (iv) Ethical Values and Spirituality. For each category, specific educational practices are presented, offering a strategic pathway to integrate these skills into higher education and advance competencies aligned with sustainability. This study highlights the urgent need for a transformative shift in higher education, proposing a structured and adaptable model for integrating critical soft skills into the educational field. This approach aims to equip individuals with the interpersonal and intrapersonal competencies to navigate complex socio-environmental challenges and contribute to a more sustainable future.