The Needs Assessment of SKILLS4Water is pivotal in understanding and addressing the multifaceted needs within the water sector. This phase involves a thorough needs analysis, laying the foundation for the project’s objectives. Our focus here is to equip young water professionals and students with essential soft skills, integrating these skills into higher education curricula, and fostering a culture of leadership and innovation in the water industry. Moreover, this work package aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, promoting the acquisition of soft skills by early-career water professionals. This initiative is a step towards contributing to a sustainable, resilient water future and fostering a community of practice around water-related issues.