The Clinic: Corporate social responsability and innovation (RISE)

This clinic project with Resource Matters, an NGO working on good governance in the natural resources sector with a focus on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), aims at gathering and analyzing data on the possibilities for implementation of the Directive on corporate sustainability due diligence (CSDDD) in the cobalt sector.

The project works in particular on deepening the legal research on the implementation of the CSDDD. As part of the project, students will focus on laying down the key aspects of what the CSDDD implementation means for the cobalt sector, and what CSDDD harmonization at the national level will entail in selected EU countries that already have their due diligence legislation into place.

Secondly, they will gather and analyze data to determine whether selected companies (that source cobalt from the DRC and present some ESG red flags) fall within the scope of the Directive.

This analysis will throw the basis for the development of sector-specific guidelines on the implementation of the CSDDD for the actors operating in the cobalt supply chain.

• Partner: Resource Matters
• Tutor: Adèle Bourgin 

In an increasingly demanding regulatory environment for sustainable finance, the issue of sustainability risk is of major importance. The aim of the project is to provide an operational overview of the regulatory framework for sustainability risks and the obligations faced by financial market participants.

The deliverable takes the form of a table and a report analyzing the articulations and complementarities between the European SFDR and CSRD texts, as well as Article 29 of the Energy-Climate Law concerning sustainability risks.

• Partner: EthiFinance 
• Tutors: Louise Beuloir and Cyann Starck 

• Partner: L'Oréal SA 
• Tutor: Maxime BELINGHERI

This is a joint clinic project with the HEDG clinic programme. 

The World Bank Group, through its Integrity Vice Presidency (INT), collaborates with the Sciences Po Law Clinic to analyze integrity risks in climate finance. The project examines case studies on finance mechanisms and climate projects, addressing risks such as fraud, corruption, and climate-washing.

Guided by experienced professionals, students develop skills in legal research, case analysis, report writing, and the creation of practical tools. This partnership strengthens the World Bank’s climate finance mechanisms while providing hands-on experience in integrity, risk management, and governance.

• Partner:  World Bank Group – Integrity Vice Presidency
• Tutor: Eléna Divry 

The students are working within the OECD's Centre for Responsible Business Conduct to support the implementation of the OECD's Recommendations on the Role of Government in Promoting Responsible Business Conduct, by analyzing the activity of public authorities and their good practices. Based on OECD instruments, the project raises awareness of the areas of intersection between the public and private sectors, specifically by building knowledge related to recent developments in government efforts on RBC.

The project requires strong research and cross-analysis skills, using a variety of technical and linguistic supports (government communications, legal texts, strategic sector documents, etc.). Case studies are produced on targeted public policies, for example on human rights issues, public procurement rules, public enterprise management, or foreign aid strategies. These analyses help to demonstrate the innovations of national and local public authorities, their shortcomings and their priorities in promoting Responsible Business Conduct.

• Partner: Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)
• Tutor: Elodie Bou Antoun 

• Partner: Agence française de Développement (AFD) 
• Tutor: Mélinée Aprikian 

• Partner: Bred and Lisa Fitoussi, affiliate Professor at the Sciences Po Law school 
• Tutors: Philippine De Groote and Yassine El Gnaoui