Skip to main content

Centre for Sustainable Development Law and Policy

Alternative text

Welcome to CSDLP

The Centre for Sustainable Development Law and Policy focuses on environmental sustainability and the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in all its dimensions: environmental, economic, and social.

Our centre's vision is for a sustainable future for present and future generations, where life in harmony with nature can flourish, through outstanding research and innovation that enables societies to co-develop transformative economic models and technological innovations that are grounded in ecological preservation, the protection of human and planetary health, social inclusion and human rights. The UN SDGs serve as cross-cutting themes in our projects, undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.
Meet the CSDLP Team
United Nation Sustainable Development Goals

Mission 

Our centre's mission is to expand and deepen human knowledge through interdisciplinary and international collaborations. Our research is challenge-led, curiosity-driven, and solution-oriented, and our engagement with our partners enables societal transformations and transitions towards safer climate futures where everyone can thrive.

Globe for JusTN0W

JusTN0W

JusTN0W is the flagship project of the CSDLP. It is developing a world-leading interdisciplinary work programme to research sustainable and just solutions for accelerated decarbonisation of economies, and to achieve lasting societal well-being for the present and future generations.

Learn more about JusTN0W
COP Steering Group Webpage Image

CSDLP at COPs

Each year, a team from CSDLP attends the Conference of the Parties (COP) under the UNFCCC accreditation. We will be at COP30 in Brazil and, among other activities, we will host an official UNFCCC side event. Explore further and learn more about our work at past COPS and our plans for this year.

Learn more about our engagment with COPs
Group pic in front of the law school

Join our network

Sign up for the CSDLP's mailing list to be updated on the latest news, events, training and partnership opportunities.

Join our network

News

  • New International Partnership in Ocean Governance and Capacity Building

    We are pleased to share that the Centre for Sustainable Development Law and Policy (CSDLP) at Durham University has been invited to participate as an academic host institution for two prestigious international fellowship programmes coordinated by the UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea.
    Research news
    Ocean

  • JusTN0W Delivers Workshop in Uganda

    Supported by EPSRC Impact Funding, the JusTN0W Initiative recently held a workshop in Uganda with key national partners to support best practice in the preparation and development of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The event brought together representatives from government ministries and national energy institutions to discuss Uganda’s next steps under the UNFCCC and the development of its NDC 3.0.
    Business and Partnerships
    Uganda Workshop CSDLP

  • From Durham to Santa Marta and Beyond

    This academic-practitioner conference is being organised by Professor Elisa Morgera (UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights), the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Brazilian Special Envoy on Climate Change and Human Rights, Denise Dora on the theme of fossil fuel phase out. 
    Research news
    COP30 Elisa

New International Partnership in Ocean Governance and Capacity Building

We are pleased to share that the Centre for Sustainable Development Law and Policy (CSDLP) at Durham University has been invited to participate as an academic host institution for two prestigious international fellowship programmes coordinated by the UN Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea.

Research news
Ocean

JusTN0W Delivers Workshop in Uganda

Supported by EPSRC Impact Funding, the JusTN0W Initiative recently held a workshop in Uganda with key national partners to support best practice in the preparation and development of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The event brought together representatives from government ministries and national energy institutions to discuss Uganda’s next steps under the UNFCCC and the development of its NDC 3.0.
Business and Partnerships
Uganda Workshop CSDLP

From Durham to Santa Marta and Beyond

This academic-practitioner conference is being organised by Professor Elisa Morgera (UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights), the UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Brazilian Special Envoy on Climate Change and Human Rights, Denise Dora on the theme of fossil fuel phase out. 
Research news
COP30 Elisa
More news

Upcoming events

COP30 Debrief Event at Durham Castle

Wednesday 18 March 2026 - Wednesday 18 March 2026
8:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Durham Castle, Great Hall
COP Castle debrief

From Durham to Santa Marta and Beyond

Thursday 19 March 2026 - Friday 20 March 2026
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Redhills Durham Miners Hall, Durham, UK
COP30 Elisa

Just Transitions to a Net Zero World: Third Annual International Conference

Thursday 10 September 2026 - Friday 11 September 2026
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Durham Campus
Just Transitions to a Net Zero World
More Events

Discover More

Get in Touch

Enquiries about the Centre for Sustainable Development Law and Policy should be sent via the email below.

Contact Us

Centre for Sustainable Development Law and Policy

Durham University Law School
Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE