Mark Charlton, Associate Director of Sustainable Development at De Montfort University, shares his insights on promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions through Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16). Leading the United Nations' only UK academic impact hub for SDG 16, Charlton is at the forefront of encouraging democratic decision-making, fostering social cohesion, and reducing inequalities. With a special focus on climate and social justice, he explores how local action can drive sustainable solutions for marginalised communities.Episode Highlights and Key Takeaways:The Role of De Montfort University’s Impact HubAs the UN’s academic impact hub for SDG 16, De Montfort University is uniquely positioned to work on peace, justice, and institutional strength. Charlton describes this collaboration as a “global conversation” that aims to develop policies and promote sustainable practices by connecting with other universities and responding to worldwide challenges.“We’re part of a giant global conversation, right at the front, thanks to our relationship with the UN.”Net Zero and Social Justice: Local Football Club PartnershipCharlton’s collaboration with Leicester Nirvana, a local football club, exemplifies the impact of sustainable goals on communities. The club aims to become the first net-zero amateur football team, but many challenges emerge for players from economically deprived backgrounds, such as transportation constraints and high living costs. Charlton emphasises that achieving net zero in poorer communities often requires addressing basic issues like affordable transportation and access to resources, as well as factoring in socio-economic inequalities.“There are two conversations around net zero in the UK… If you’re outside the mainstream, where owning a car or eating vegan isn’t feasible, these conversations may seem inaccessible.”Barriers to Climate Resilience in Vulnerable CommunitiesMark illustrates that poor urban planning and underinvestment in low-income areas can exacerbate climate impacts, leaving residents less resilient to changes. For instance, during heatwaves, residents in high-rise buildings face unbearable temperatures due to poor ventilation and costly cooling solutions. Such barriers underscore the urgency of including all voices in discussions about climate and infrastructure planning, especially as climate change affects marginalised communities disproportionately.“People in vulnerable communities face unique challenges… If we don’t start listening, solutions for climate change will be ineffective in these areas.”Rebuilding Community Spaces and Strengthening InstitutionsCommunity spaces play an essential role in social cohesion. However, Charlton notes a decline in these spaces, such as local parks and community centres, often due to austerity measures. Reviving community gathering spots is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging and supporting local governance, which aligns with SDG 16’s emphasis on democratic decision-making.“Governance on the ground and a sense of community are vital… Local knowledge is invaluable for resilient, sustainable communities.”The Case for Happiness and Democratic Metrics in Measuring ProgressCharlton advocates for using broader metrics beyond Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to assess societal well-being. Referring to New Zealand’s happiness index, he suggests that measuring citizen satisfaction could lead to more responsive policies, especially in disadvantaged areas. A localised happiness survey, for instance, could help identify issues affecting community well-being, drawing attention to areas needing improvement.“If a survey reveals low satisfaction in a community, we gain a powerful tool to push for positive change.”