Welcome to Novar
A Global Youth Policy and Diplomacy Network
What Is Novar?
Novar — Global Youth Policy and Diplomacy Network is an independent, youth-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to giving young people a seat and a say in shaping the policies that define their lives.
We believe that policy should not be written in isolation or reserved for a few, but crafted through dialogue, informed by experience, and guided by the spirit of diplomacy.
Born at the University of Birmingham, Novar has grown from a student initiative into an international network of students, thinkers, and changemakers. Together, we share one conviction: that young people deserve not only to be heard, but to help write the rules that shape their today and tomorrow.
Through meaningful dialogue, policy-focused research, and collaborative action, Novar cultivates a culture of informed and empowered youth participation — bridging communities, institutions, and global agendas to create tangible, lasting impact in the policy arena.
At its core, Novar combines dialogue and diplomacy with skill-building and opportunities for young people to influence policies at both national and international levels.
Our What, Why and How
What Do We Want
Every movement begins with a question. Ours was simple yet profound: Do young people truly have a seat and a say in the policy decisions that shape their everyday lives?
Novar was founded on a conviction — that for young people to have a genuine place and podium in the policy arena, they must:
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Gain knowledge and understanding of policy and diplomacy.
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Participate in dialogue meaningfully and constructively.
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Combine these two, knowledge and engagement, to shape policies that define their today and tomorrow.
These principles rest on one clear belief: policy should not be the language of the few, but the shared conversation of the many — especially the youth whose futures are written by today’s decisions.
From this conviction, our journey began: to create spaces and opportunities for young people to learn, practice, and embody diplomacy — so they can engage in purposeful dialogue that leads to real policy influence.
Why Do We Want that:
As Friedrich Nietzsche once said, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”
Our why is rooted in the power of policy — the invisible architecture that defines how we act, what we access, and who decides.
We are social beings, and every society is shaped by the rules and norms that govern it. Yet too often, those rules are written by the few and imposed on the many. We believe policy should not be the privilege of power, but the reflection of collective will — the shared expression of those it governs.
Youth, as a generation of immense potential and energy, deserve more than symbolic representation. They deserve a real seat and a genuine say in shaping the policies that determine how their potential is used, directed, or constrained.
Because policy decides the boundaries of possibility — and if youth are the future, they must have the right to shape the code of that future.
That is the why of our existence.
How We Will Achieve That:
We aim to achieve this by operating on two complementary fronts: Educating and Engaging.
At the educating front, we create opportunities for young people to obtain the knowledge, tools, and confidence to understand and navigate diplomacy and policy.
At the engagement front, we create spaces such as conferences, dialogues, forums, summits, and cultural exchanges where young people put diplomacy into practice and influence policies through dialogue.
By equipping the youth with the knowledge to understand policies and diplomacy, and providing them with a platform to put that knowledge into practice, Novar aims to empower them so that they can influence policy decisions at both local and global levels.
Novar's Reach
Novar believes that in today’s interconnected world, policies have ripple effects that extend far beyond borders and nations. The challenges we face — and the solutions we seek — are shared. That is why the cause we pursue demands a collective global effort, led by young people across countries, regions, and continents.
To ensure that youth have a lasting seat and say in policy decisions, we must think and act beyond borders — uniting young people regardless of nationality, race, language, or any other social or political difference. Together, we stand as a global community determined to secure our place and voice on the podium.
Therefore, Novar operates on two intertwined fronts:
Novar Global
Our global work brings youth together from around the world to engage in policy dialogues, diplomacy forums, and research collaborations that address shared challenges — from peace-building and governance to climate, education, and social inclusion.
Novar Focused
At the same time, we recognize that some regions face deeper exclusion and urgent realities that demand focused engagement. Through Novar Focused, we dedicate special attention to contexts such as Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Palestine — where youth voices are most vulnerable yet most vital.
Together, these strands form the fabric of our vision: a world where young people are not just future leaders in waiting, but present actors shaping the policies and diplomacy that define their generation.
Our Voices and Views
Dialogue doesn’t end when the conversation does — it lives on through reflection, writing, and exchange.
Insight is where Novar pursues its mission on the front of ideas. Just as our dialogues, conferences, and forums give young people the space to act and influence policy through participation, this platform gives them the space to reflect and influence through thought.
It is our digital home for youth perspectives from around the world — essays, commentaries, and reflections that question assumptions, share lived experiences, and inspire meaningful discourse. Here, young thinkers and writers engage with themes of policy, diplomacy, and identity, connecting personal insight with collective understanding.
In this space, youth voices meet expert reflections and peer stories — learning from one another, shaping ideas, and strengthening the shared language of diplomacy.
Because change begins not only in action, but also in the courage to think deeply and to share those thoughts with the world.
Our Future
Novar Network is currently in the process of formation. At this stage, we are expanding our network of young changemakers, building our leadership team, and establishing our governance structures.
At Novar Network, we envision a world where young people are at the heart of shaping policies and decisions that affect their lives. Our goal is to connect youth globally with experts, leaders, and peers, creating spaces for dialogue, learning, and real impact.
We are building programs that empower changemakers through workshops, research, and policy-focused initiatives. By fostering collaboration and amplifying diverse voices, we aim to turn ideas into action and nurture the next generation of leaders.
Ready to step in?
We’re currently building Novar Network and expanding our leadership and volunteer team. If you are interested in getting involved and becoming a Novarian, please visit the relevant page through the link below and explore our current opportunities.
Our Team
Novar Network is currently in the stage of formation. At this early phase, the organisation is led by our Founder & Executive Director, supported by a small Advisory Board guiding our strategy and growth.
As we carefully expand our network, we plan to gradually build a diverse team of volunteers, contributors, and future members who will help bring Novar’s vision to life. Our focus is on creating a collaborative and inclusive environment where young changemakers, advisors, and partners can contribute meaningfully while shaping the organisation’s direction.
We’re always eager to connect with new collaborators, mentors, institutions, and supporters who share our vision. Whether you have a question, a proposal, or simply wish to connect, we’d love to hear from you.
You can reach out or write to us here, and we’ll make sure your message finds the right person.