The Miss International pageant is undergoing a significant transformation, moving away from its traditional focus on physical beauty and towards a more holistic celebration of the delegates' intelligence, social impact, and overall 'human side'. This shift, as explained by Executive Director Stephen Diaz, is a response to the changing attitudes in advanced societies towards beauty pageants and a desire to showcase the delegates' multifaceted personalities. The pageant's 64th edition, taking place in Tokyo, Japan, will be a testament to this new direction, with a revamped format that emphasizes the delegates' non-physical attributes and their contributions to society.
One of the most notable changes is the elimination of the onstage swimsuit parade. Diaz explains that this decision is rooted in the understanding that beauty is not solely defined by physical appearance. Instead, the pageant will now highlight the delegates' intelligence and inner beauty through segments where they can share their social works and contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This shift in focus is a bold move, challenging the traditional pageant mold and encouraging a more nuanced appreciation of the delegates' talents and personalities.
The new format also introduces a more diverse set of judges for the preliminary evaluation, ensuring that each category is assessed independently. This approach aims to prevent favoritism and promote a fairer competition. The judges will evaluate the delegates in various areas, including interview skills, SDGs projects, attitude during the quarantine, health and fitness, and elegance and poise. This comprehensive assessment goes beyond the traditional pageant criteria, recognizing the importance of mental fortitude, resilience, and overall well-being.
The Final Gala will feature the delegates parading in their national costumes and evening gowns, followed by a series of interview and speech rounds. The absence of the swimsuit segment is a deliberate choice, as the 'health and fitness' category is now integrated into the preliminary evaluation. In its place, the pageant will include a Zumba dance portion, where delegates will perform in sportswear and sneakers, showcasing their energy and enthusiasm.
This revamp is a strategic move to distance the Miss International pageant from its 'Barbie' girl image and attract a more diverse audience. Diaz emphasizes that the pageant is not seeking social media influencers but rather future leaders and role models. The new format aims to empower the delegates and provide them with a platform to showcase their intelligence, kindness, and social impact. By doing so, the pageant hopes to inspire a broader conversation about the true essence of beauty and the importance of recognizing women's multifaceted talents.
The 64th Miss International Final Gala, set to take place at the Tokyo Dome City Hall on November 25, will be a showcase of this new direction. As the reigning queen Catalina Duque relinquishes her title, the pageant will continue to evolve, reflecting the changing times and societal values. The revamped format is a testament to the pageant's commitment to progress and its willingness to challenge traditional norms, all while celebrating the beauty and potential of women from around the world.
