Behind the scenes at Miss World with Miss Croatia

The 72nd edition of the Miss World pageant took place on the weekend at the Hitex Exhibition Centre in Hyderabad, India, drawing contestants from 108 countries in what has become much more than a beauty contest.

This year’s event reaffirmed Miss World’s role as a global platform for compassion, identity, and social impact.

Among the contestants was Miss Croatia, Tomislava Dukić, who proudly represented her country across all official categories.

With a degree in kinesiology and a heart dedicated to service, Tomislava stood out with her “Beauty with a Purpose” project, based on her month-long volunteering experience in an African orphanage.

On stage, she captivated audiences wearing an elegant gown designed by Marina Lacković, and for the national costume segment, she donned a dress inspired by the coronation of King Tomislav and the millennium of the Croatian kingdom.

The competition was divided into four continental groups: Europe, Asia & Oceania, Africa, and the Americas & Caribbean, and featured a range of categories that went far beyond traditional beauty standards.

• Beauty with a Purpose – The central segment of the competition, showcasing charitable projects. Winner: Indonesia.

• Head-to-Head Challenge – A debate-based segment focusing on communication and social engagement. Continental winners included Wales, Trinidad and Tobago, Zambia, and Turkey.

• Top Model – Highlighted national costumes and style. Winners included India, Ireland, Martinique, and Namibia.

• Talent Show – From classical music to dance and vocal performances, Indonesia emerged victorious.

• Sports Challenge – Despite Tomislava’s strong showing as a graduate in kinesiology, Estonia took the win.

• Multimedia Challenge – Celebrated the impact of social media and advocacy. Continental winners were Thailand, Dominican Republic, Montenegro, and Cameroon.

Crowned as Miss World 2025 was Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand. In her emotional final speech, she stated:

“Living a meaningful life means restoring dreams and hope to those who have lost them. That is why I am here today – to be a beacon of hope and leave a legacy of purpose.”

Her runners-up included Hasset Dereje Admassu (Ethiopia), Maja Klajda (Poland), and Aurélie Joachim (Martinique).

In addition to the global title, continental queens were also crowned:

• Africa – Hasset Dereje Admassu (Ethiopia)

• Americas & Caribbean – Jéssica Pedroso (Brazil), Aurélie Joachim (Martinique)

• Asia & Oceania – Krishnah Gravidez (Philippines), Jasmine Stringer (Australia)

• Europe – Maja Klajda (Poland)

Over three weeks in India, the contestants experienced the cultural riches of Telangana – visiting temples, historical landmarks, and even Bollywood film sets.

The experience culminated in an elegant post-pageant dinner attended by national directors, license holders, and families, including Miss Croatia’s own delegation led by Iva Loparić Kontek and Ivana Delač.

Also in attendance were international guests including Mister World Asia Pham Tuan Ngoc and Mister Africa Salvatore Crisball.

Miss World 2025 will be remembered not only for its glamour, but for its celebration of empathy, solidarity, and humanity. In a world that increasingly seeks authenticity and meaningful leadership, these young women demonstrated that true beauty lies in action, compassion, and purpose.

Through words of support, acts of kindness, and pride in their roots, they reminded us all that leadership can be humble, and that influence is strongest when driven by love and responsibility to others.