Who are we

Novar Network is a youth-led, policy-focused non-profit organization dedicated to giving young people a seat and a say in shaping the policies that govern their lives. Guided by the belief that young people should be central to policy decisions, Novar empowers them through education, dialogue, and diplomacy.

Through meaningful dialogue, research, and collaboration, we enable the next generation of thinkers and leaders not only to participate in change, but to define it — shaping the future of policy and diplomacy.

Our Motive, Mantra & Map

Our Motive (Why We Exist)

Novar Network was founded on a clear belief: young people deserve not just a seat at the table, but a voice that shapes the agenda. We exist to lift the barriers preventing youth from influencing policy, ensuring that the decisions shaping tomorrow reflect the creativity, courage, and perspectives of the next generation. 

Novar's motive is to secure a seat and a say for young people in policies that are shaping their today and tomorrow.

Our Mantra (How We Work)

Novar aims to empower young people to have a seat and say in policy decisions 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.

Our Map (Where Are We)

From a student initiative at the University of Birmingham to a global network of youth changemakers, Novar’s journey reflects both evolution and purpose. Our work ranges from local efforts, like our Novar Focus Initiatives, to international programmes, as reflected in our Novar Global, guided by a single mission: to empower young people to influence the policies and decisions that shape their lives. 

Our Mission, vision & Values

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower young people to have a seat and a say in the policies shaping their lives — through education, dialogue, and diplomacy.

Our Vision 

We envision a world where young people are central to policy and diplomacy — shaping fair, inclusive, and forward-thinking societies.

Our Values 

  • Inclusion: Every voice matters, regardless of nationality, gender, or background.  

  • Integrity: We lead with honesty, transparency, and accountability.

  • Dialogue: Conversation is the foundation of understanding and peace.

  • Collaboration: Progress is built through shared purpose and partnership.

Our History

Novar Network is led by a diverse group of compassionate young activists, leaders, and policy advocates who, through years of social and political engagement, recognized a significant gap in the mainstream policy and diplomacy arenas: the voices of youth were largely absent. Too often, young people are excluded from shaping the policies and laws that will define their futures.

Guided by this insight, the founders envisioned a platform where youth perspectives are not only welcomed, but actively amplified. Their lived experiences of social and political exclusion, stemming from factors such as gender, nationality, ethnicity, and age, have fuelled a commitment to inclusion and equity. Novar is designed to provide young changemakers with the opportunity to raise their voices, be heard, and meaningfully participate in shaping policies, regardless of background or affiliation.

 

Novar Network began as an informal society at the University of Birmingham, bringing together a global cohort of enthusiastic young changemakers from dozens of nations across all continents. The initial aim was simple yet ambitious: to create a space for dialogue, learning, and collaboration among youth passionate about social change and policy.

Recognizing the potential for broader impact, the Founder Director, Rafiq Khalili, along with other members, formalized their vision and mission, establishing Novar Network in 2025 as a platform with aspirations to expand from the UK to regional and international levels. 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. The organization is committed to empowering youth across all continents to engage meaningfully with the systems that shape their world.