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Miss World 2024 head-to-head challenge finale celebrated in Hyderabad with grace, intellect, and cultural pride

Hyderabad, May 23 (UNI) The grand finale of the Head-to-Head Challenge at the 72nd Miss World Festival was held with splendour and intellect at Hotel Trident, Hyderabad on Friday.
Twenty contestants—five each from Europe, Africa, Asia & Oceania, and the Americas & Caribbean—showcased their eloquence, advocacy, and social vision during this prestigious event.
The Head-to-Head Challenge, a key segment of the Miss World Festival, provides a global platform for participants to voice their views on critical social issues.
Two participants from each continent were selected for the final round, with one winner per continent advancing to the Top 10.
Contestants from the Americas and the Caribbean, including Brazil, Suriname, Cayman Islands, Guyana, and Trinidad & Tobago, addressed the issue of women’s empowerment and safety in Telangana.
Miss Guyana emphasised that “women belong everywhere, and safety is a right, not a privilege,” commending Telangana as a place where women can live and explore freely.
Miss Trinidad & Tobago, who advanced to the final, remarked that progress and empowerment go hand in hand, noting that Hyderabad has embraced this ideal. She added, “We cannot succeed when half the population is left behind. Thank you, Telangana, for ensuring women are not left behind.”
From Africa, delegates representing South Africa, Namibia, Somalia, Uganda, and Zambia reflected on how personal challenges had become opportunities for growth. Miss Namibia shared her journey of overcoming anxiety and depression through faith and purpose.
Miss Zambia, who emerged as the African winner, spoke about earning a full scholarship in clinical medicine and declared, “Time does not measure what I can do. It is about passion and purpose.” In the final round, African finalists were asked about maintaining authenticity in the age of social media. Miss Zambia’s response emphasized that authenticity is strength and urged young people to stay true to themselves despite changing societal trends.
European contestants from Spain, Wales, France, Germany, and Ireland spoke on improving the lives of youth in their respective countries. Miss Ireland advocated stronger protections against domestic violence, while Miss Wales, who progressed to the finals, called for more accessible healthcare and education.
Sharing her personal experience as the first in her family to attend university, she recounted her outreach work in Uganda and India, including interactions with acid attack survivors. She described education as “the most powerful tool,” even as it looks different for everyone.
Delegates from Asia and Oceania, including Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkey, Lebanon, and Japan, discussed how their 'Beauty with a Purpose' projects had shaped their outlook.
Miss Turkey, an oncologist who lost her mother to cancer, highlighted her advocacy for mammogram awareness, a campaign that won her the Asia & Oceania title. In the final round, when asked about preserving cultural identity in a globalised world, Miss Turkey stated that cultural heritage becomes even more important in times of conflict. She praised events organized by consulates and embassies that promote music, art, cuisine, and tradition as bridges of unity, not barriers of difference.
All eight finalists were then asked to share their views on climate change. Miss Trinidad & Tobago spoke passionately about her homeland’s natural beauty, stating, “When you love something, you protect it.” She highlighted environmental initiatives like tree-planting and hiking programs, noting that even small steps can restore ecological balance and build a sustainable future.
Finally, the four continental winners—Turkey, Wales, Zambia, and Trinidad & Tobago—responded to how they would promote Telangana on the global stage.
Miss Turkey described Telangana as a dynamic state known for technological and medical innovation, emphasizing its commitment to women's rights, safety, and education.
Miss Wales, in her second visit to the region, spoke warmly of the people’s hospitality and encouraged her fellow countrymen to experience Telangana’s rich culture. Miss Zambia praised the cultural authenticity she encountered, stating that the spirit of ‘Beauty with a Purpose’ is truly embodied in the state. Miss Trinidad & Tobago added that Telangana, like her homeland, radiates warmth, kindness, and cultural connection.
Special guests at the event included Julian Morley, Miss World 2024 Christiana, Aruna Parama, and Mr. World Asia Vietnam. The Head-to-Head Challenge at the 72nd Miss World Festival powerfully illustrated how beauty, intellect, cultural pride, and a shared sense of purpose can converge to amplify a global voice for meaningful change, an official statement said.
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