PVN Norway
PVN Norway

About Page

Participants at a PVN Norway youth activity

Who we are

PVN Norway is a non-profit organisation committed to empowering young people, strengthening democratic participation and civic space, and building peaceful, inclusive and cohesive communities through education, volunteering, mobilities and international cooperation.Based in Norway and working with partners across more than 25 European countries, we work at the intersection of citizens, youth, youth workers and democracy — combining non-formal education, capacity building, civic engagement, volunteering, research and cross-sector collaboration at local, national and European levels. As part of the wider Peace Volunteering Network — active for over two decades across the world — PVN Norway brings Nordic democratic practice into direct dialogue with youth work in emerging civil societies, and brings the experience and energy of that European network back into Norway.Registered in Kristiansand (org. no. 932 346 796), we grew from an informal network active since May 2022 into a formally established organisation in October 2023.

Our Story​

PVN Norway was established in 2023 to strengthen international cooperation between Norway and Europe in the fields of civic space, youth participation, democracy, peacebuilding and social inclusion.Building on more than two decades of experience within the Peace Volunteering Network, PVN Norway expands this work by creating new partnerships with Norwegian municipalities, universities, civil society organisations and public institutions.Today, the organisation serves as a bridge between local communities and international cooperation, promoting knowledge exchange, innovation and sustainable partnerships across Europe.

Why We Exist

Across Europe, democratic participation, social cohesion and trust cannot be taken for granted. Young people face increasing challenges related to wellbeing, misinformation, exclusion and unequal opportunities to participate in civic life.

We believe these challenges require long-term cooperation between sectors and countries rather than isolated projects.

Our role is to create spaces where young people, citizens, organisations, institutions and communities can learn from one another, work together and develop practical solutions that strengthen democracy, inclusion and peace.

Our Mission

To empower young people, strengthen democratic participation and civic space, and foster peaceful, inclusive communities by creating opportunities for learning, sharing, volunteering, international cooperation and cross-sector partnerships.

Our Vision

A Europe where young people and communities actively shape peaceful, democratic and inclusive societies.
Youth workers collaborating during a training session

Our Values

PVN’s work is guided by a strong commitment to:

  • Participation — We believe people should actively shape the decisions that affect their lives.
  • Inclusion — We create opportunities where everyone can participate regardless of background or ability.
  • Cooperation — Sustainable change is built through strong partnerships and mutual trust.
  • Peace — Dialogue, respect and non-violent cooperation guide our work.
  • Learning — We believe lifelong learning empowers individuals and strengthens communities.
  • Integrity — We act transparently, responsibly and with accountability in everything we do.

Participation

We believe people should actively shape the decisions that affect their lives.

Inclusion

We create opportunities where everyone can participate regardless of background or ability.

Cooperation

Sustainable change is built through strong partnerships and mutual trust.

Peace

Dialogue, respect and non-violent cooperation guide our work.

Learning

We believe lifelong learning empowers individuals and strengthens communities.

Integrity

We act transparently, responsibly and with accountability in everything we do.

Our Approach

Across all programme areas, we apply approaches that place people, participation and partnership at the centre of our work.

  • Non-formal education — learning through experience, reflection and participation.
  • Volunteering — creating opportunities for active citizenship and community engagement.
  • International cooperation — connecting local communities with European knowledge and experience.
  • Youth participation — supporting young people to lead, contribute and influence decisions.
  • Cross-sector partnerships — working with municipalities, universities, schools, civil society and the private sector.
  • Research and learning — using evidence, reflection and evaluation to improve our work.

Non-formal education

Learning through experience, reflection and participation.

Volunteering

Creating opportunities for active citizenship and community engagement.

International cooperation

Connecting local communities with European knowledge and experience.

Youth participation

Supporting young people to lead, contribute and influence decisions.

Cross-sector partnerships

Working with municipalities, universities, schools, civil society and the private sector.

Research and learning

Using evidence, reflection and evaluation to improve our work.

Why work with us?

European Experience

Delivering international cooperation across more than 25 European countries.

Trusted Partnerships

Working with municipalities, universities, civil society and public institutions.

Practical Impact

Creating opportunities that strengthen young people, organisations and communities.

Governance & Transparency

We are committed to openness, accountability and responsible organisational management.

General AssemblyExecutive BoardSupport GroupExecutive DirectorTeam

Our Partners & Donors

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Join Our Journey

Whether you are a young person, municipality, university, organisation or potential donor, we welcome new partnerships that contribute to stronger communities and a more democratic Europe.