In a dazzling showcase of beauty, strength, and intelligence, Luciana Fuster, a 25-year-old Peruvian model, was crowned Miss Grand International 2023. The journey to her crowning moment began in June, when she outshone eleven other finalists to secure the title of Miss Grand Peru 2023. In a subsequent competition held in Vietnam, Fuster stood tall amidst talented contestants from 69 nations, ultimately securing the coveted crown of Miss Grand International 2023.
More Than a Pageant
The Miss Grand International pageant, now in its 11th edition, is known as much for its advocacy for peace, love, and understanding as for its celebration of beauty. Each contestant is encouraged to support a cause close to their hearts, using their platform to make a difference in the world. Fuster chose to champion mental health awareness, a cause that resonates deeply in an era marked by increasing conversations around mental wellbeing.
The pageant, held at the Phu Tho Indoor Stadium in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, was a vibrant display of international harmony. The final round was hosted by Thai television personality Matthew Deane, with a live performance by Miss Grand International 2022 first runner-up Engfa Waraha. Women from diverse backgrounds came together, united by their shared aspirations for global peace.
A Platform for Dialogue
Fuster’s intellect was as prominent as her beauty during the Question and Answer portion of the pageant. When asked about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, she responded with empathy and insight, expressing her concern for the people affected by the conflict. She urged the Israeli president to prioritize the well-being of his nation and release the hostages, thereby emphasizing the importance of dialogue and negotiation in conflict resolution.
Victory Beyond Borders
Fuster’s victory as Miss Grand International 2023 is not just a personal triumph, but a moment of national pride for Peru. More than that, it underscores the transformative potential of beauty pageants as platforms for addressing global issues. As the reigning queen, Fuster will serve as a global ambassador for peace and humanitarian causes, representing Peru on an international stage and using her voice to foster understanding and compassion.
Other winners of the pageant included Miss Myanmar as the first runner-up, Miss Colombia as the second runner-up, the United States as the third runner-up, and Vietnam as the fourth runner-up. Each of these women, like Fuster, brought their unique perspectives and causes to the forefront, contributing to the pageant’s mission of promoting peace and harmony through beauty and intelligence.
The Miss Grand International 2023 pageant was not merely about crowning a beauty queen. It was a celebration of the strength, intelligence, and compassion of women from around the world. Luciana Fuster’s victory serves as an inspiration for others to join the cause and work towards a more peaceful and compassionate world.
