Lack of trained professionals in the water sector, including water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), is a global challenge. The workforce is aging, and water-related jobs are not popular among young professionals. Universities are struggling to match curricula with job-market needs and do not attract enough talent. Yet, managing climate change and the transition to a circular economy, with emphasis on the water-food-energy nexus and the role of nature-based solutions, requires development of human resources in the water sector.

Water management is pivotal for addressing a myriad of development challenges, from poverty and food security to gender equity, impacting health, education, and livelihoods. In India, a country on the brink of water stress, effective water management is crucial, particularly in its rural areas where over 50% of households lack tap connections.

According to estimates by UN-Water, more than 42% of the world’s total active workforce is heavily water-dependent and a further 36% of the workforce, moderately water-dependent. In essence, 78% of jobs constituting the global workforce are particularly dependent on water.