The 27th edition of World Miss University 2016 pageant has kick started in Beijing, with contestants from 70 countries and regions competing to win the coveted title. The pageant marks the coming together of a group of 70 undergraduate beauties from all across the globe, not just to win the crown, but also to spread the message of peace and love.
Anita Asianya, Miss Nigeria shares her experience and thoughts on the pageant and says, “In terms of beauty, I can’t beat any other person, but I feel like what I possess is good enough to represent my country and that’s why they let me come here. So I feel like me being here, I am representing my country, I’m letting people know that there is more to Nigeria that meets the eyes, there is more to help, much we can do in terms of talent and how much potential we possess in our country. I know after this pageant, people are gonna take more interest, people that do not believe in Negeria or would not wanna associate with Niegria, after seeing me here representing my country, would definitely think differently.”
Brittany Michalchuk representing Poland states, “My goal is to help more people. And I know if I won World Miss University, I would be able to help more people on an even bigger scale. We need more role models and leaders to stand up for peace and to promote it. And the way they’ve even put this competition on, everything is underlying with love and compassion and it’s been such an uplifting experience that warms my heart being involved in this.”
The contestants participating feel that taking part in this pageant will develop better understanding towards each other, and will help distribute the idea of peace and harmony. “I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for people all around the world to come together and by coming together, and talking together and experiencing each other’s cultures, we have a much better understanding of each other, and therefore less likely to form negative opinions of one another.”, says Veronicka Devlin from Ireland.
The grand finale of World Miss University 2016 is scheduled to be held on January 27’ 2016 in the city of Xiamen in southeast China. The contestants will have to attend a series of activities including public speaking, cultural exchanges and quiz shows. Established in 1986, World Miss University aims to celebrate the UN’s announcement of the “International Peace Year”.
The pageant aims at reminding viewers of the problems the world continues to face. The contestants strive to bring hope to the world through their actions such as voluntary service and peace campaigns.