For the first time in history, the Palestinian people will be represented at the Miss Universe pageant, with beauty queen Nadeen Ayoub taking on the 2025 competition as Miss Palestine.
On Sunday (local time), the Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) confirmed to CNN that Ayoub, who was crowned Miss Palestine in 2022 per Abu Dhabi-based publication The National, will be competing for Miss Universe in this year’s pageant.
“The Miss Universe Organisation proudly welcomes delegates from across the globe, celebrating diversity, cultural exchange, and the empowerment of women,” the MUO told the publication.
“Ms. Ayoub, an accomplished advocate and model from Palestine, embodies the resilience and determination that define our platform.
“We look forward to welcoming Ms. Ayoub on the Miss Universe stage, where she will proudly represent Palestine, standing alongside contestants from every corner of the world.”
Prior to MUO’s public statement, Ayoub confirmed her place in the Miss Universe competition on Instagram, sharing a heartfelt statement about the historic move and what it means to represent Palestine during this devastating period.
“Today, I am honoured to share that I am representing Palestine at Miss Universe 2025,” Ayoub said.
“At a time when the world’s eyes are on our homeland, I carry this role with deep responsibility. It’s more than a title. It’s a platform to speak up for the people of Palestine, especially our women and children.”
Further in her video, Ayoub said she will be utilising her initiative, Sayidat Falasteen, to platform voices and stories that are left out in the media.
“I’ll be sharing stories that make the news. Stories of strength, creativity and hope,” she continued.
“We are more than our struggle. We are women with dreams, talents and a powerful voice to offer the world.
“This journey is for every single girl who dares to dream beyond the headlines and for every woman shaping a better future despite the odds. I am proud to walk this path, not just as Miss Palestine but as a voice for those who deserve to be seen and heard.”
MUO’s decision to include Palestine in its upcoming pageant comes in the midst of the ongoing genocide in the country, per the United Nations.
On Monday, Gaza’s Health Ministry said the Palestinian death toll since October 7 has surged to 62,004, with another 156,230 people injured, PBS News reports. It also claims that women and children make up around half of the deceased. According to Al Jazeera, 1,139 Israelis have died since October 7.
Recently, Israel’s blockade of aid to Palestine has created a deadly famine, with Israel denying its responsibility for the blockade.
In August, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia will be following countries like France and Canada by recognising a Palestinian state at the next United Nations General Assembly, which will take place in September.
Miss Universe 2025 will take place on November 21 in Bangkok, Thailand.
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