Enhancing Expertise: UNFSS Academic Advisory Council Welcomes New Chair and Members

In a stride towards fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and enriching sustainability discourse, the UNFSS Academic Advisory Council unveils new leadership and a distinguished addition. Committed to advancing sustainability expertise, the council welcomes fresh perspectives to drive meaningful progress.


Reflecting the UNFSS’s commitment to robust research in the domain of sustainability standards and global value chains, the Academic Advisory Council (AAC) stands as a cornerstone in advancing understanding and effectiveness of sustainability standards.

Comprising renowned academic experts from diverse disciplines worldwide, the AAC functions as a dynamic think-tank. Its composition spans a spectrum of academic backgrounds, from public international law, global governance, and international political economy to economics, public management, human rights, and sustainability studies.

Following the commitment to provide robust and impartial research, UNFSS is delighted to announce significant updates within its esteemed AAC. With a commitment to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and advancing understanding of voluntary sustainability standards (VSS), the AAC serves as a cornerstone in shaping global sustainability discourse.

In this vein, UNFSS proudly introduces Prof. Dr. Clara Brandi as the new chair and welcomes James Harrison as a distinguished new member to the council.

New Chair: Prof. Dr. Clara Brandi

Stepping into the role of chair of the UNFSS Academic Advisory Council is Prof. Dr. Clara Brandi, a distinguished leader in the field of economics and political science. As Head of Programme for the Transformation of Economic and Social Systems at The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) in Bonn, Germany, Prof. Brandi brings a wealth of expertise to her new position.

Besides her role at IDOS she also serves as the Professor in International Economics/ Development Economics at the University of Bonn. She has also been a member of the Economic Advisory Network of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Germany, since 2023. With extensive experience in international economics, development economics, and global governance, Prof. Brandi is poised to guide the council in its mission to understand the effectiveness of VSS and drive meaningful progress toward sustainability.

Read more about her at: https://www.idos-research.de/en/clara-brandi/

New Member: James Harrison

Joining the esteemed ranks of the UNFSS AAC is James Harrison, an esteemed academic and human rights advocate. As a Professor in the Law Department at the University of Warwick and Co-Director of the Centre for Human Rights in Practice, Mr. Harrison brings a unique perspective to the council’s deliberations.

His research interests, focused on analyzing the social and environmental impacts of economic laws and regulations, complement the AAC’s multidisciplinary approach to sustainability in global value chains. With a rich background in consulting for international organizations and NGOs, Mr. Harrison’s insights promise to enrich the council’s discussions and contribute significantly to its overarching objectives.

Read more about his work at: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/wamic/integrate/ecf/james/


The UNFSS is thrilled to welcome Prof. Dr. Clara Brandi as the new chair and James Harrison as a distinguished member to the Academic Advisory Council. As we continue our journey towards a more sustainable future, their expertise and leadership will be invaluable in guiding the council’s efforts and advancing our collective understanding of voluntary sustainability standards.

For further updates and information regarding the UNFSS Academic Advisory Council and its esteemed members, please visit UNFSS website and check: https://unfss.org/academic-advisory-council/


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