Australia’s Jessica Peart was crowned Miss Global 2015 during the conclusion of a  gala coronation held at the Newport Performing Arts Theater of the Resorts World Manila in Pasay City last night, October 22, 2015. The 21-years-old defeated 49 other contestants from around the world to clinch the coveted title of Miss Global 2015.

At the same event, Virginia Prak of Cambodia was adjudged as the first runner-up, Ireland’s Lorna Murphy was titled as the second runner-up, while Bulgaria’s Gergana Doncheva was adjudged as the third runner-up and host delegate Candice Ramos of the Philippines stood as the fourth runner-up.

In addition to announcing the winner and the runners-up, a series of Special Awards were awarded to the contestants under the following categories:

Miss Photogenic – South Africa

Miss Fitness – Ireland

Miss Talent – Bulgaria

Miss Fashion – Myanmar

Miss Goodwill – Canada

Miss Congeniality – Taiwan

The contestants were first narrowed down to 20 semifinalists who competed in the swimsuit round. The Top 11 moved forward to the evening gown competition. The Top 5 then proceeded to the all-important Q&A segment.

Peart, who stands at a towering height of 5’11”, is studying at Deakin University in Melbourne and aspires to become a speech and language pathologist.

The new beauty queen has been referred by Herald Sun Newspaper as “The Charity Queen”, for her active involvement in numerous charitable works for young people.

“I have worked part time in my local nursing home for just over three years and have seen many young people being forced to live in nursing or retirement homes,” Peart explained.

The winner will become “a sponsor of goodwill, a trend-setter for leadership, and an ambassador for beauty and cultural diversity.”

Miss Global is the only beauty pageant that caters to single women and single mothers.