Law Laboratory for International Sustainable Development

The Law Laboratory for International Sustainable Development researches innovative law and policy instruments to promote international sustainable development. The Lab seeks to promote an integrated approach to economic law, environmental law, and development law under the umbrella of sustainable development law and policy. The Lab works globally with research institutes, NGOs, and international development agencies, under the direction of Sheng Sun MELP’18.

LAB RESEARCH PROGRAMS

■ Partner with the World Resources Institute (WRI) to research opportunities for international dispute resolution and international regulatory collaboration to optimize the social and environmental performance of resource-sensitive globalized supply chains

■ Research national and international laws and policies regulating the global trade of soft commodities (timber, soybeans, rubber, cocoa, palm oil, and beef), in order to curb deforestation, mitigate climate change, and ensure fair and sustainable trade practices

■ Comparative study of green finance law and policy regimes of emerging economies

■ Provide learning opportunities for VLS students to work on cutting-edge research projects relating to international sustainable development

■ Share research finding through publications, seminars, and workshops

■ Host visiting scholars and guest researchers