Renad Baomar

From Oman to the World: A Journey of a Voice Without Borders

My name is Renad Baomar. I am 14 years old, from the Sultanate of Oman, and I am a youth activist who believes that ideas are not defined by age or place, but by the courage behind them. A single idea, born with passion, can travel far beyond a classroom — even beyond borders.

My journey did not begin on an international stage. It began in a school competition called Beyond Earth, where we were asked to develop a project idea. I was searching for something meaningful, something different, and that is where my project on plant growth in space began.

At first, it seemed like a simple scientific idea, but it became the moment that changed everything for me.

I did not know then that this school project would become the spark of a much bigger journey.

After that, I no longer saw learning as something limited to the classroom. I began to see it as a gateway to the world. I started exploring opportunities beyond school and gradually entered global youth spaces working in climate action, ocean conservation, mental health, education, innovation, and youth empowerment.

Through this journey, I became a member of the UNESCO Ocean Literacy Platform, engaging in global discussions around oceans and sustainability. I also joined international youth movements focused on climate, water, and environmental action, where I learned that youth voices are not only important — they are necessary.

Over time, I took on multiple leadership roles. I became a Class Chapter Leader in State of Youth – Future Voices, a Leader in SheLeadsToo, and a Regional Director for the Middle East, alongside participating in youth-led programs focused on leadership, advocacy, and youth engagement.

I also served as a Youth Ambassador for Mona Foundation, a Cyber for Youth Ambassador, a Women with Wings Ambassador, and a Global Change Ambassador. I became a member of the UN Innovative Scaling Group, a member of UN Digital initiatives, and a member of TakingITGlobal, contributing to global conversations on youth empowerment and innovation.

In research and media, I worked as a Researcher at Global Voice Insights, a Regional Correspondent and Youth Ambassador at Shared Ground Initiative, a Youth Ambassador at Youth Unbounded, a Youth Leader at Blowing in the Wind, a Volunteer Lead at Youth Meridian, and a Community Ambassador at Impact MD.

In the field of mental health and community work, I founded Brave Voices, an initiative dedicated to supporting youth mental health, preventing bullying, and building confidence.

One of the most impactful experiences within Brave Voices was our Confidence Building Workshop. We hosted inspiring guest speakers, including a psychologist and youth founders of organisations, creating a space where young people could openly learn, reflect, and grow.

We welcomed more than 30 participants, and at the beginning many of them were quiet and hesitant to engage. But as the session progressed, something powerful shifted. The atmosphere changed from silence to participation, from hesitation to confidence.

By the end of the workshop, every participant was actively engaged, and many even took part in a youth debate, confidently sharing their opinions and voices. It was a clear reminder of how powerful safe spaces can be in unlocking youth potential.

Alongside this, I have also been a Girl Up Club Leader, a TeensWithMed Peer Ambassador, a member of the Living with Eczema initiative, a Consultant at Equality Bridge, a Regional Director at She’s in Office, a volunteer with Mind4Youth, and a volunteer in UNDP youth empowerment initiatives, among many other youth-led spaces focused on education, equality, and community development.

Throughout this journey, I was also featured on Oman Radio — an experience that reminded me that youth voices do not only reach the world; they begin by impacting their own communities first.

I have been honoured as a recipient of the Global Recognition Awards, received an Honorable Mention in the Women Changing the World Awards, and became a finalist for the She Inspires Award, alongside other global recognitions reflecting youth impact across different spaces.

I was also honoured to be a virtual guest with NASA, a moment that made me realise how a simple idea that began in a classroom in Oman can reach global scientific spaces when supported by belief and persistence.

Today, when I look at my journey, I do not see a list of roles or titles. I see one continuous story that began with a school competition and grew into a voice that reaches beyond Oman to the world.

From Oman to the world, I have learned that impact does not require a big place, but a strong belief, a fearless voice, and the courage to begin.

And this is not the end.

It is only the beginning of a story still being written.