The CSSC project was launched in June 2023 at the Centre Maurice Hauriou for Research in Public Law (URP 1515) by Lilian Richieri Hanania, attorney, mediator, researcher, and adjunct professor, and Anne-Thida Norodom, Professor of Public Law and Deputy Director of the Centre. Several companies are already part of the project.

The CSSC project draws on existing definitions in international law, in particular the notion of « cultural diversity » established in Article 4.1 of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. Cultural diversity refers to the « manifold ways in which the cultures of groups and societies find expression ».

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The CSSC project (“Corporate sustainability strategies in support of culture”) is designed to highlight private sector initiatives in favor of cultural diversity by using project mediation techniques to identify the interests of the private sector, cultural sectors and local governments committed to sustainable development. A platform and a rating methodology will be created to make initiatives in favor of cultural diversity visible and identify best practices in the field. The aim is to expand and diversify private sector support for culture, by gradually encouraging companies to invest more in this area.

The CSSC project was selected in March 2023 by Paris Cité University as part of STRATEX funding from the French government’s Investissements d’Avenir program (PIA, Investments for the Future Program), as a project with high potential for commercial value or impact.

A relevant response to current social issues

The CSSC project is developing at a time when companies are increasingly interested in cultural diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is emerging as a timely response to the changing needs of companies and cultural sectors, especially in a post-COVID context. By uniting research, mediation and awareness-raising, this initiative illustrates Paris Cité University’s determination to share its intellectual resources and knowledge in the service of companies, and to commit itself to initiatives with high social impact and innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

Join an innovative and ambitious project

The team is particularly proud to announce that companies such as COFACE, Michelin and Yext have already joined the CSSC project. The search for partners continues, and all interested companies are invited to collaborate and help shape the future of the project. Don’t hesitate to contact the team!

A survey has also been created to gather the opinions and needs of artists, creators, and cultural professionals.