The 72nd Miss World Festival today announced the 20 finalists of the prestigious Head-to-Head Challenge, following the first round held in Telangana.
The 72nd Miss World Festival today announced the 20 finalists of the prestigious Head-to-Head Challenge, following the first round held in Telangana.
Held amidst the cultural grandeur of India's youngest State, the Head-to-Head Challenge provided a platform for all 107 contestants from around the world to deliver speeches on personal and global issues that matter deeply to them and to society.
The preliminary round showcased skills of articulation, emotional depth and commitment to meaningful causes.
The finalists stood out for their dedication to using their voices for change, highlighting stories of resilience, justice, mental health, education, sustainability, empowerment and cultural identity.
The finalists advancing to the Head-to-Head Final this Friday include:
From the Europe region: Corina Mrazek (Spain), Millie-Mae Adams (Wales), Agathe Cauet (France), Silvia D?rre S?nchez (Germany) and Jasmine Gerhardt (Ireland)
From the Americas & the Caribbean region: Jessica Pedroso (Brazil), Chenella Rozendaal (Suriname), Jada Ramoon (Cayman Islands), Zalika Samuels (Guyana) and Anna-Lise Nanton (Trinidad and Tobago)
From the Asia & Oceania region: Anudi Gunasekara (Sri Lanka), Opal Suchata Chuangsri (Thailand), Idil Bilgen (T?rkiye), Nada Koussa (Lebanon) and Kiana Tomita (Japan)
From the Africa region: Zoalize Jansen van Rensburg (South Africa), Selma Carlicia Kamanya (Namibia), Zainab Jama (Somalia), Natasha Nyonyozi (Uganda) and Faith Bwalya (Zambia)
Each of these finalists will present once more in the concluding round, where their clarity, conviction, and commitment to advocacy will help determine the ultimate winner of this defining challenge.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Julia Morley CBE, Chairman and CEO of the Miss World Organisation, said, "I am immensely proud of every young woman who took part in the Head-to-Head Challenge. Their voices resonated with truth, courage and inspiration. In a world that needs empathy and leadership more than ever, these women have reminded us of the power of storytelling, advocacy, and standing up for what is right. They have not only spoken - they have been heard, and their words are helping shape a more compassionate, inclusive and thoughtful world."
As excitement peaks for the final round of the Head-to-Head Challenge, taking place on Saturday, the Miss World Festival continues to spotlight young women who are redefining what it means to lead with purpose and passion. Telangana, with its vibrant heritage and forward-looking spirit, serves as the perfect host for this global celebration of beauty, voice and vision.