Earth observation (EO) user needs assessments help ensure EO investments deliver measurable value and strong returns by aligning user requirements with practical solutions that maximize societal and economic benefits. This Union Session focuses on how organizations across sectors collect, maintain, and operationalize user EO needs and integrate them into systems, products, and services. These include long-term engagement, co-development, and iterative processes that establish strong connections between user needs and solutions. Attention will be given to how public-sector capabilities can be combined with commercial innovation to strengthen responsiveness, expand capacity, and support decision-making. This session will feature a panel discussion with invited experts from public agencies, commercial organizations, and research institutions. A complementary poster session will invite broader contributions that align with these themes. Together, the panel and poster session will highlight how public-private collaboration can improve the effectiveness and efficiency of EO investments and support consistent delivery of decision-relevant information.