Contestants from several countries gathered in Dublin for a multicultural pageant that combined cultural celebration with an educational message about drug prevention.
Twenty-four women from seven countries participated in the programme, which was attended by approximately 450 guests at the Church of Scientology & Community Centre.
The organisers worked with The Truth About Drugs Ireland to include an educational element alongside the pageant and cultural performances.
Before taking part in the stage programme, contestants and visitors toured a Truth About Drugs exhibition and learned about the effects of commonly abused substances. Several contestants completed online drug-education courses before the event, with some finishing all fourteen modules.
In his address, Mayor Francis Timmons noted that education and positive leadership can help create healthier and more united communities.
The pageant was accompanied by a diverse cultural programme featuring dancers from several community organisations.
Software engineer Niveditha Vudayagiri received the Miss Cross Continent 2026 title at the conclusion of the programme. Fortunate Lindokuhle Masina and Yuki Yuliatin completed the top three as first and second runners-up.
The event demonstrated how multicultural celebrations can also provide a platform for education, responsibility and positive community engagement. Further background appears in news eugene the article covering the Dublin pageant promoting culture, leadership and drug awareness.