Hasset Dereje Admassu of Ethiopia has made history and brought pride to Africa after being crowned 1st Runner-Up at the prestigious 72nd Miss World pageant held recently in India. The crown went to Thailand’s Opal Suchata, who also clinched top honors in the contest’s multimedia component, amassing over 2.3 million views on the official app leaderboard.

A student of Chemical Engineering, Hasset’s remarkable journey to the Miss World stage is a blend of academic excellence, resilience, and purpose. She described one of her proudest moments as completing a particularly challenging engineering project, which, she says, reminded her of the power of perseverance and the strength in teamwork.

In addition to her studies, Hasset is a professional model and serves as an ambassador for the Maya Charitable Organization, where she actively works to raise awareness around Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, conditions affecting children across the continent. Her personal motto—“Leading with strength, pursuing dreams, inspiring change”—has become an embodiment of her presence both on and off the stage.

The Miss World 2025 finale saw 112 contestants from across the globe showcasing not just beauty, but intelligence, culture, and heart. Hasset’s runner-up placement is a significant achievement for Ethiopia and the African continent, and her graceful performance has earned admiration far beyond pageant circles.

As Africa continues to break global boundaries across arts, science, and leadership, Hasset Dereje’s triumph is a reminder that the world stage is not just for participation—but for winning with purpose.