Across Europe, the regulatory landscape around corporate responsibility is rapidly evolving. From France’s Loi de Vigilance to the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and the recent Omnibus Package, companies are increasingly required to integrate human rights and environmental due diligence into their core operations. What was once considered a voluntary or reputational exercise is now becoming a structural element of how businesses operate, manage risk, and define accountability.
Yet, compliance alone does not guarantee meaningful change. The real challenge lies in translating these frameworks into practice - developing the capacity to identify impacts on the ground, engage with affected stakeholders, and design effective prevention and remediation strategies. It is within this gap between policy and implementation that the Executive Training Course “Business and Human Rights: Tools for Responsible Management”, developed by the University of Pisa in collaboration with Source International, positions itself.
Starting in October 2026, the course offers a practice-oriented programme aimed at professionals who need to operationalize due diligence within complex value chains. Rather than focusing solely on ESG reporting, it emphasizes concrete tools and methodologies to assess risks, integrate human rights into governance structures, and respond to real-world challenges. Drawing on both academic expertise and field-based experience, the programme combines legal frameworks with applied learning, including case studies, interactive sessions, and direct engagement with practitioners working in business and human rights.
With more than a decade of experience in supporting communities affected by industrial pollution and extractive activities, we are proud to bring our perspective and grounded understanding of how corporate impacts are experienced locally, and of the importance of independent evidence, stakeholder engagement, and access to remedy in due diligence processes.
The course is delivered in English through a flexible online format, complemented by a final in-person session at the University of Pisa, with blended options available. It is designed for a wide range of professionals - from business leaders and policymakers to sustainability practitioners - who are seeking to move beyond formal compliance and embed responsible practices into their organizations. Participants will engage with the evolving regulatory context while developing practical skills to navigate it effectively, earning a recognized certification and academic credits upon completion.
Applications are open until 20 September 2026. Further information on the application process is available on the website of the Rebalance project or by contacting info@rebalanceproject.org.
At a time when regulatory pressure is increasing but implementation remains uneven, initiatives like this are essential to bridge the gap between principles and practice. Strengthening due diligence is not only about meeting legal requirements: it is about ensuring that business activities respect human rights and the environment in tangible, measurable ways.
