The first Miss & Mrs Cross Continent event in Dublin showed how a pageant can combine cultural diversity, leadership and practical community education.

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 eu news politics the stage programme, contestants and visitors toured a Truth About Drugs exhibition and learned about the effects of commonly abused substances. Contestants were encouraged to prepare by studying drug-prevention materials, and a number of them completed every available online course.

In his address, Mayor Francis Timmons noted that education and positive leadership can help create healthier and more united communities.

Cultural performances added to the programme, including Irish dance, Indian classical dance and traditional Indonesian presentations.

At the end of the competition, Niveditha Vudayagiri was named Miss Cross Continent 2026. Fortunate Lindokuhle Masina and Yuki Yuliatin completed the top three as first and second runners-up.

The pageant showed that public events can celebrate talent and diversity while also addressing important social concerns. A fuller report on the Dublin multicultural pageant and drug-education initiative provides additional details about the contestants, performances and educational programme.