The Miss Universe Organisation (MUO) has announced that Nadeen Ayoub will become the first delegate to officially represent Palestine at the Miss Universe pageant in its 74-year history. The 27-year-old model and advocate is set to take the stage in Bangkok, Thailand, this November, joining competitors from over 130 countries and territories. In a statement, the MUO welcomed Ayoub, praising her as an accomplished individual who “embodies the resilience and determination that define our platform.”
Ayoub, who was crowned Miss Palestine in 2022, is no stranger to breaking barriers; she previously made history by finishing in the top five at the Miss Earth pageant that same year. However, she put her career as a titleholder on hold following the events of October 7. Now, she is preparing to use the immense global platform of Miss Universe to fulfill what she describes as a “huge responsibility” to speak out on the ongoing situation in Gaza.
Speaking to The National, Ayoub affirmed her commitment to advocacy, stating, “No one should be silent about the injustice that’s happening. This is the time when Palestine needs to be represented on all platforms everywhere.” On Instagram, she elaborated further, writing that she aims to carry the voice of her people and represent every Palestinian woman and child, showcasing their strength to the world. “We are more than our suffering,” she wrote, “we are resilience, hope, and the heartbeat of a homeland.”
This landmark decision to include a Palestinian contestant occurs against a backdrop of intense international scrutiny on Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health has resulted in over 62,000 deaths, predominantly women and children. It also aligns with a growing diplomatic movement, with over 145 nations now supporting international recognition of a Palestinian state, a number that includes recent conditional pledges from key allies like the United Kingdom, Canada, and France.
