Hyderabad, India – In a night of glamour, emotion, and global celebration, Ethiopia’s Hasset Dereje emerged as one of the shining stars of the 72nd Miss World pageant held at the HITEX Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, Telangana.
Crowned Miss World Africa and named the 1st runner-up, Hasset captivated millions with her grace, intelligence, and unwavering commitment to purpose-driven work, marking a proud and historic moment for Ethiopia on the international stage.
Selected from a pool of 108 global contestants, Hasset’s performance throughout the month-long Miss World Festival was a compelling display of poise, compassion, and leadership.
She advanced through every competitive round, ultimately becoming one of the final four continental winners, representing Africa in the grand finale and securing her spot among the Top 4 globally.
A Voice of Purpose and Power
At just 23, Hasset has already earned a reputation for being more than just a beauty queen. A mental health advocate, community leader, and youth mentor, she used the Miss World platform to highlight mental health awareness in Africa — a cause deeply personal to her. Her “Beauty With a Purpose” project focused on establishing safe spaces for mental health education and counselling services in rural Ethiopian schools.
In her final answer before the judges, Hasset delivered a compelling message on the importance of emotional resilience and the power of empathy in leadership: “True beauty lies in the ability to uplift others when they are most vulnerable. As Miss World, I would use my voice to break the silence around mental health and create spaces where healing, hope, and humanity flourish.”
Her words drew praise from the jury, including Miss World Chairwoman Julia Morley CBE, who commended Hasset for her “grace, insight, and unwavering commitment to making a difference.”
A Proud Moment for Africa
Hasset’s rise to the Miss World Africa title marks a significant moment for the continent. She follows in the footsteps of past African queens who used the global platform to spotlight pressing regional issues and mobilise change.
Fellow African finalists included Uganda’s Natasha Nyonyozi, Nigeria’s Joy Mojisola Raimi, and Cameroon’s Princesse Issie, but it was Hasset who ultimately represented Africa in the top four — a moment met with celebration across Ethiopia and the wider continent.
Ethiopia Reacts with Pride
Back home, Hasset’s journey has inspired a surge of national pride. Her historic performance has dominated headlines and social media in Ethiopia, with many calling her the “voice of a new generation.”
Prominent Ethiopian figures, including public health advocates and youth leaders, hailed her dedication to mental health awareness and her elegant representation of Ethiopian culture on a global stage.
Ethiopia’s Ministry of Women and Social Affairs congratulated Hasset in a statement: “Hasset Dereje has not only represented Ethiopia with honour and distinction, but she has also shown the world the beauty of compassion, intelligence, and leadership. Her impact will resonate far beyond the Miss World stage.”
A Star for the Future
Though she narrowly missed the crown, which went to Opal Suchata of Thailand, Hasset Dereje leaves the 72nd Miss World Festival as a global role model and ambassador for her continent.
Her journey is a testament to the evolving nature of global pageantry, where advocacy, intellect, and integrity stand equal to appearance. As Miss World Africa 2025, Hasset is expected to lead various social impact initiatives across the continent and continue her work in youth mental health advocacy.
“This is only the beginning,” Hasset said after the show. “Africa’s voice is growing stronger, and I’m honoured to be part of that chorus. I carry my country and my continent in my heart — and I will serve with purpose.”
