The first female representative of the Palestinian people at the Miss Universe contest will be beauty queen Nadeen Ayoub.
In a statement to CNN on Sunday, the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) said it “pleased to confirm” that Ayoub would participate in the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, which held in November.
Nadeen Ayoub will be the first model to represent Palestine at the Miss Universe Pageant.
In a statement, she said, “As Palestine struggles with heartbreak, especially in Gaza, I represent the voice of a people who refuse to remain silent.”
According to the announcement, “The Miss Universe Organization pleased to welcome delegates from all over the world, celebrating diversity, cultural exchange, and the empowerment of women.”
It continues, “Ms. Ayoub, a successful advocate and role model from Palestine, exemplifies the tenacity and resolve that characterize our platform.”
On November 21, in Bangkok, Thailand, Ayoub will compete in the 74th Miss Universe final alongside contestants from over 130 other nations and territories.
In the announcement, MUO added, “We are excited to welcome Ms. Ayoub to the Miss Universe stage, where she will proudly represent Palestine, standing alongside contestants from every corner of the globe.”
Miss Palestine 2022: Nadeen Ayoub’s Impact on Culture and Beauty
According to The National, an Abu Dhabi-based news organization, Ayoub, currently 27 years old, won the title of Miss Palestine in 2022.
Ayoub stated in a Thursday Instagram post that she wished to speak up for the Palestinian people.
She captioned the photo, saying, “I am honored to announce that Palestine will represented at Miss Universe for the first time ever.”
“As Palestine faces heartache, particularly in Gaza, I speak for a people that will not be silent. Ayoub further expressed her support for “all Palestinian women and children whose resilience the world needs to witness.”
“We are resilient, hopeful, and the beating heart of a homeland that endures because of us—we are more than our suffering.”
Thailand will host the 74th Miss Universe pageant on November 21.