Questions that are likely to be asked on 2026 pageantry stages

Question: If you were the leader of your country, how would you have handled the COVID-19 pandemic?

Summary: Focuses on crisis management and public health strategies during a global emergency.

Competition: Miss Universe 2020

Answer: I believe there is not a perfect way to handle this hard situation such as COVID-19. However, I believe that what I would have done was create the lockdown even before everything was that big because we lost so many lives and we cannot afford that. We have to take care of our people. That’s why I have taken care of them since the beginning.

Contestant: Andrea Meza, Mexico

Question: Should countries lockdown due to COVID-19 despite the strain on their economies, or should they open their borders and risk the potential increase in infection rates?

Summary: Balances economic impacts with health risks in pandemic response.

Competition: Miss Universe 2020

Answer: Well, I believe that we should take care of people. That’s the most important thing. If we open the borders or the economy, we are risking and exposing more people to COVID-19. Thereby, we’re going to lose more lives. As I said before, we cannot afford it. We have to take care of our people and the lives of everyone. So I believe that’s the most important thing.

Contestant: Adline Castelino, India

Question: In many countries, women are still considered incapable of being world leaders—convince these countries that they are wrong.

Summary: Challenges gender stereotypes in leadership roles.

Competition: Miss Universe 2020

Answer: Well, unfortunately, this is still happening in many parts of the world. Many people think that women are not as strong as men. But I’m standing here today to show otherwise. We have a small heart in our bodies but a big thunder in our hearts, minds and courage to accomplish anything. Furthermore, we raise families. We get into the labor force. We are standing in the streets, making a change. We break the ice and show what women are capable of. So I want to tell everyone, men and women, to believe in women and let’s make sure we lead our lives with a feminine energy, compassion, empathy and love.

Contestant: Julia Gama, Brazil

Question: The night she won Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi explained the importance of teaching leadership to young girls. How would you do that this year?

Summary: Promotes empowering young women through leadership education.

Competition: Miss Universe 2020

Answer: Well, I believe that we have to make sure that young women have access to the same opportunities as men no matter where they are in the world. In my country, for example, most young women don’t have access to school and education. They don’t have access to the same dreams and as men. So I believe that we have to stop these prejudices. Women, we are the leaders of our lives and of our own lives. And we take our own decisions. That’s what makes us leaders.

Contestant: Rabiya Mateo, Philippines

Question: What would you say to the women watching tonight who are currently experiencing sexual or domestic abuse?

Summary: Addresses support for victims of gender-based violence.

Competition: Miss Universe 2020

Answer: I would tell them that they have a voice and they deserve to be heard. So I would like to say that if you are going through that right now, you are not alone. You can speak up. There is someone out there who is willing to hear you and listen to you. You are strong. You are brave. You are loved and you deserve a better life.

Contestant: Janick Maceta del Castillo, Peru

Question: What advice would you give to young women watching on how to deal with the pressures they face today?

Summary: Offers guidance on handling modern societal and personal pressures.

Competition: Miss Universe 2021

Answer: A big massive amount of pressure comes to these young women who are trying to achieve many things in their lives for many reasons. But I strongly believe that the best way to face pressure is through love and respect towards yourself, not through competition and trying to look perfect. I encourage every woman to understand that we are perfect, we are unique, no one is like you or me. That’s what makes us special. And if we have pressure, it is always better to surround ourselves with people who love us.

Contestant: Nadia Ferreira, Paraguay

Question: How can women best handle body-shaming?

Summary: Explores strategies for combating body image criticism.

Competition: Miss Universe 2021

Answer: Our body is our temple, so we must take care of it. Our inner beauty is what really counts. I believe that women should not allow anyone to tell them they are not beautiful. Beauty is not just about the physical appearance, but also about the heart and soul.

Contestant: Valeria Ayos, Colombia

Question: Many people think climate change is a hoax. What would you do to convince them otherwise?

Summary: Advocates for environmental education and evidence-based persuasion.

Competition: Miss Universe 2021

Answer: Well, I would show them thousands of videos, thousands of photos, thousands of news, showing people that it is happening right now. One of the ways we can show this is by teaching people. The key in order to do this, is to let people understand why it is important. When we can teach people that we can be united around certain ideas, that we can put pressure on our leaders to change this world. I do believe that that is a way to change people’s mind.

Contestant: Harnaaz Sandhu, India

Question: Should tweets and social media comments from a person’s teenage years be held against them years later?

Summary: Debates accountability for past online actions in cancel culture.

Competition: Miss Universe 2021

Answer: Should tweets and social media comments from a person’s teenage years be held against them years later?

Contestant: Beatrice Luigi Gomez, Philippines

Answer: We all grow and I’ve learned so much from my teenage years. All of us can grow, so nobody has the right to hold us back to our past. We should learn from it, grow from it and acknowledge it. And I think that’s the beauty of humanity.

Question: If you win Miss Universe, how would you work to demonstrate this as an empowering and progressive organization?

Summary: Envisions promoting inclusivity and progress in pageantry.

Competition: Miss Universe 2022

Answer: If I win Miss Universe, I would use the platform to highlight my advocacy of financial literacy. We are just starting to rebuild from this pandemic, so to be able to help families and communities better manage their finances and be more prepared in life is essential to progressing forward. This is something that resonates to me personally because I, myself, have benefitted from financial education. I started investing in real estate at the age of 18, and I firmly believe that every individual can be smarter about managing their money so that we can prepare for our future, our families’ future, our community’s future.

Contestant: R’Bonney Gabriel, USA

Question: What is the most significant obstacle that women in your country face, and what should be done about it?

Summary: Identifies and proposes solutions to gender-specific challenges.

Competition: Miss Universe 2022

Answer: In my country, I think that one of the biggest challenges women face is that they are not taken as seriously as men are. And I think that is something that we should change. We should change the fact that women are capable of doing anything that men can do and even better. And I think that we should start by giving women more opportunities, more education, more jobs, and more equality.

Contestant: Amanda Dudamel, Venezuela

Question: Miss Universe recently made an inclusive change allowing mothers and married women to compete. What is another change you would like to see, and why?

Summary: Suggests further reforms for diversity in pageants.

Competition: Miss Universe 2022

Answer: Miss Universe recently made an inclusive change allowing mothers and married women to compete. What is another change you would like to see, and why?

Contestant: Andreína Martínez, Dominican Republic

Answer: I believe that Miss Universe should continue to be inclusive. I think that transgender women should be allowed to compete. I come from the Dominican Republic, a country where the LGBTQ+ community is very strong. I have many friends in the community, and I think they deserve the opportunity to be included. Because it’s about equality, it’s about inclusion and it’s about acceptance.

Question: What qualities and values guide you as a leader and role model for others?

Summary: Reflects on personal principles for inspiring others.

Competition: Miss Universe 2023

Answer: As a leader and role model, I am guided by empathy, integrity, and a commitment to positive change. I believe in leading by example, fostering inclusivity, and empowering others to reach their full potential.

Contestant: Sheynnis Palacios, Nicaragua

Question: If you win tonight, what would you bring to the Miss Universe brand?

Summary: Outlines unique contributions to the pageant’s image.

Competition: Miss Universe 2023

Answer: I would bring authenticity, passion for advocacy, and a fresh perspective on global issues, helping to evolve the brand into a more inclusive and impactful platform.

Contestant: Anntonia Porsild, Thailand

Question: How would you use the Miss Universe platform to promote global gender equality?

Summary: Focuses on advocacy for worldwide women’s rights.

Competition: Miss Universe 2023

Answer: I would leverage the platform to amplify voices of women worldwide, advocate for education and economic opportunities, and partner with organizations to drive systemic change.

Contestant: Moraya Wilson, Australia

Question: If you could live one year in another woman’s shoes, who would you choose and why?

Summary: Explores admiration for female role models and empathy.

Competition: Miss Universe 2023

Answer: I would choose Mary Wollstonecraft because she opened the gap and gave an opportunity to many women. What I would use that opportunity as is to be the woman who opens the door for many women today. There are no perfect women, but there are women willing to learn.

Contestant: Sheynnis Palacios, Nicaragua

Question: What is more important: being liked or being respected, and why?

Summary: Weighs social approval against personal integrity.

Competition: Miss Universe 2024

Answer: Being respected is more important because it reflects one’s character and principles, fostering genuine relationships and long-term influence.

Contestant: Alma Cooper, USA

Question: When something bad is happening in your life, what gives you power to keep going?

Summary: Discusses sources of resilience during adversity.

Competition: Miss Universe 2024

Answer: Faith in a higher purpose and the support of loved ones provide the strength to persevere through challenges.

Contestant: Sheynnis Palacios, Nicaragua (host question example)

Question: How would you live your life differently if you knew nobody would judge you?

Summary: Examines freedom from societal judgment.

Competition: Miss Universe 2024

Answer: I would embrace authenticity fully, pursuing passions without fear and inspiring others to do the same.

Contestant: Victoria Kjær Theilvig, Denmark

Question: What qualities should someone have to be a truly successful leader?

Summary: Defines essential traits for effective leadership.

Competition: Miss Universe 2024

Answer: A successful leader should possess empathy, vision, integrity, and the ability to inspire and unite people.

Contestant: Christina Dela Cruz Chalk, UK

Question: Describe the ideal woman of today and what you have in common with her.

Summary: Reflects on modern femininity and self-alignment.

Competition: Miss Universe 2024

Answer: The ideal woman today is empowered, compassionate, and resilient; I share her drive for positive change and commitment to self-growth.

Contestant: Ileana Marquez, Venezuela

Question: If you win the title of Miss Universe tonight, how would you use this platform to empower young girls?

Summary: Plans for inspiring and supporting youth empowerment.

Competition: Miss Universe 2025

Answer: I would use this platform to teach young girls the importance of education, self-confidence, and pursuing their dreams relentlessly.

Contestant: Fátima Bosch, Mexico

Question: In your perspective, what are the challenges of being a woman in the year 2025? And how would you use the title of Miss Universe to overcome them?

Summary: Addresses contemporary gender challenges and solutions.

Competition: Miss Universe 2025

Answer: Challenges include inequality and societal pressures; as Miss Universe, I would advocate for equal opportunities and mental health support.

Contestant: Praveenar Singh, Thailand

Question: As a global ambassador or citizen, what will be your contribution to humanity?

Summary: Outlines personal impact on global well-being.

Competition: Miss Universe 2025

Answer: My contribution would be promoting education access and environmental sustainability to foster a better future for all.

Contestant: Ahtisa Manalo, Philippines

Question: In a world where cultural differences can separate people, how would you choose your platform to promote empathy and understanding between different cultures?

Summary: Promotes cross-cultural unity through advocacy.

Competition: Miss Universe 2025

Answer: I would use my platform to highlight shared human experiences and encourage dialogue through cultural exchange programs.

Contestant: Olivia Yace, Côte d’Ivoire

Question: What have you learned from the COVID pandemic?

Summary: Reflects on personal growth from global health crises.

Competition: Miss World 2021

Answer: The pandemic taught me resilience, the value of health, and the importance of community support.

Contestant: Karolina Bielawska, Poland

Question: Can we ever overcome inequality?

Summary: Debates the possibility of achieving social equity.

Competition: Miss World 2021

Answer: Yes, through education, policy changes, and collective action, we can work towards a more equal society.

Contestant: Olivia Yace, Côte d’Ivoire

Question: Which human right do you value the most?

Summary: Prioritizes key fundamental rights.

Competition: Miss World 2021

Answer: I value the right to education most, as it empowers individuals and drives societal progress.

Contestant: Shree Saini, USA

Question: What is the most important discovery yet to be discovered?

Summary: Speculates on future innovations or insights.

Competition: Miss World 2021

Answer: A universal cure for mental health issues would be transformative for humanity.

Contestant: Tracy Perez, Philippines

Question: According to you, what is the most pressing issue that most working women face?

Summary: Identifies challenges in women’s professional lives.

Competition: Miss World 2023

Answer: Balancing career and family responsibilities remains a significant hurdle for many.

Contestant: Krystyna Pyszková, Czech Republic

Question: If you could convince people from all over the world to adopt a green and planet-friendly practice, what would it be and why?

Summary: Advocates for environmental sustainability habits.

Competition: Miss World 2023

Answer: Reducing single-use plastics to protect oceans and wildlife.

Contestant: Lesego Chombo, Botswana

Question: What qualities of a Miss World are you looking for?

Summary: Defines ideal attributes for a global ambassador.

Competition: Miss World 2023

Answer: Compassion, intelligence, and a commitment to social causes.

Contestant: Jessica Ashley Gagen, England

Question: What do you think is the biggest obstacle in achieving gender equality?

Summary: Analyzes barriers to equal rights for all genders.

Competition: Miss International 2024

Answer: Cultural norms and lack of education perpetuate inequality.

Contestant: Sireethorn Leearamwat, Thailand (example from similar)

Question: If you were to describe your entire Miss International experience to your family and loved ones, what would you tell them?

Summary: Reflects on personal growth and cultural insights from the pageant.

Competition: Miss International 2025

Answer: It was a journey of self-discovery, friendships, and global understanding.

Contestant: Yollanda Chimbarami, Zimbabwe

Question: What is one thing you want to right in this world, and how would you right it?

Summary: Proposes solutions to a global injustice.

Competition: Miss Earth 2022

Answer: End poverty through education and economic empowerment programs.

Contestant: Destiny Wagner, Belize

Question: Bill Gates recently proposed that resources must be shifted away from the battle against climate change to tackle more urgent social issues. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Summary: Debates prioritizing climate vs. social crises.

Competition: Miss Earth 2025

Answer: I disagree; climate change exacerbates social issues, so both must be addressed simultaneously.

Contestant: Natalie Puskinova, Czech Republic

Question: How do you handle criticism, especially when it comes to being in the public eye, and what have you learned from it?

Summary: Discusses resilience in facing public scrutiny.

Competition: Miss Supranational 2025

Answer: I view criticism as feedback, learning to improve while staying true to myself.

Contestant: Harashta Haifa Zahra, Indonesia

Question: After we go through this pandemic, what would you want us to learn from it?

Summary: Extracts lessons from global health challenges.

Competition: Miss World Philippines 2021

Answer: The importance of unity, health, and adaptability.

Contestant: Tracy Perez, Miss World Philippines 2021

Question: Would you rather live in a world without a pandemic or a world without corruption?

Summary: Compares health crises to ethical governance.

Competition: Miss World Philippines 2021

Answer: Without corruption, as it undermines societal progress.

Contestant: Kathleen Paton, Miss World Philippines 2022 (similar)

Question: What would be your definition of kindness?

Summary: Explores empathy and compassion in daily life.

Competition: Miss World Philippines 2024

Answer: Kindness is selfless acts that uplift others without expectation.

Contestant: Gwendolyne Fourniol, Miss World Philippines 2024

Question: Where do you get your strength from?

Summary: Identifies sources of personal motivation.

Competition: Miss World Philippines 2024

Answer: From family support and inner faith.

Contestant: Krishnah Gravidez, Miss World Philippines 2025 (example)

Question: What is your favorite memory?

Summary: Shares meaningful personal experiences.

Competition: Miss Austin Texas 2022

Answer: Traveling with family and creating lasting bonds.

Contestant: Sample contestant

Question: What current topic in the news has caught your attention and why?

Summary: Engages with contemporary events.

Competition: Miss America preliminaries 2026

Answer: Climate change policies, as they affect future generations.

Contestant: Emma Terry, Miss Alabama

Question: Define feminism.

Summary: Interprets gender equality movements.

Competition: Various pageants 2020-2026

Answer: Feminism is the belief in social, economic, and political equality of the sexes.

Contestant: Harnaaz Sandhu, Miss Universe 2021 (example)

Question: What advice would you give to young women on how to deal with pressure?

Summary: Provides coping strategies for stress.

Competition: Miss India 2020

Answer: Practice self-care and seek support from mentors.

Contestant: Adline Castelino, Miss India 2020

Question: According to you, which profession deserves the highest salary: a soldier, a doctor, or the chief justice of the Supreme Court, and why?

Summary: Values societal roles and compensation.

Competition: Femina Miss India 2020

Answer: A doctor, for saving lives directly.

Contestant: Manasa Varanasi, Miss India 2020

Question: What is one stereotype about women that you would like to break, and how would you do it?

Summary: Challenges gender biases.

Competition: Miss Universe 2020

Answer: That women are emotional; show strength through leadership.

Contestant: Julia Gama, Brazil (variation)

Question: I am giving you a choice to change the world or to change yourself. What would you choose to do and why?

Summary: Balances self-improvement with global impact.

Competition: Femina Miss India 2023

Answer: Change myself first to inspire world change.

Contestant: Nandini Gupta, Miss India 2023

Question: What is the most pressing issue that most working women face?

Summary: Highlights workplace gender inequalities.

Competition: Miss World 2024

Answer: Wage gap and work-life balance.

Contestant: Krystyna Pyszková, Czech Republic (example)

Question: What have you learned from the COVID pandemic?

Summary: Personal lessons from crisis.

Competition: Miss World 2021

Answer: Appreciation for health and relationships.

Contestant: Karolina Bielawska, Poland

Question: According to you, what is the most pressing issue that most working women face?

Summary: Workplace challenges.

Competition: Miss World 2023

Answer: Glass ceiling and harassment.

Contestant: Krystyna Pyszková, Czech Republic

Question: If you could convince people from all over the world to adopt a green and planet-friendly practice, what would it be and why?

Summary: Environmental advocacy.

Competition: Miss World 2023

Answer: Plant trees to combat deforestation.

Contestant: Lesego Chombo, Botswana

Question: What qualities of a Miss World are you looking for?

Summary: Ideal qualities.

Competition: Miss World 2023

Answer: Empathy and advocacy skills.

Contestant: Jessica Ashley Gagen, England

Question: What do you think is the biggest obstacle in achieving gender equality?

Summary: Gender equality barriers.

Competition: Miss International 2024

Answer: Patriarchal norms.

Contestant: Sample

Question: If you were to describe your entire Miss International experience to your family and loved ones, what would you tell them?

Summary: Pageant reflection.

Competition: Miss International 2025

Answer: Transformative and enriching.

Contestant: Yollanda Chimbarami, Zimbabwe

Question: What is one thing you want to right in this world, and how would you right it?

Summary: Global injustice solution.

Competition: Miss Earth 2022

Answer: Climate injustice through policy.

Contestant: Destiny Wagner, Belize

Question: Bill Gates recently proposed that resources must be shifted away from the battle against climate change to tackle more urgent social issues. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Summary: Priority debate.

Competition: Miss Earth 2025

Answer: Disagree, interconnected issues.

Contestant: Natalie Puskinova, Czech Republic

Question: How do you handle criticism, especially when it comes to being in the public eye, and what have you learned from it?

Summary: Handling criticism.

Competition: Miss Supranational 2025

Answer: Learn and grow.

Contestant: Harashta Haifa Zahra, Indonesia

Question: What is the most significant obstacle that women in your country face, and what should be done about it?

Summary: National gender issues.

Competition: Miss Supranational 2022

Answer: Education access, invest in schools.

Contestant: Lalela Mswane, South Africa (example)

Question: After we go through this pandemic, what would you want us to learn from it?

Summary: Pandemic lessons.

Competition: Miss World Philippines 2021

Answer: Resilience and compassion.

Contestant: Tracy Perez

Question: Would you rather live in a world without a pandemic or a world without corruption?

Summary: Choice between evils.

Competition: Miss World Philippines 2021

Answer: Without corruption.

Contestant: Kathleen Paton

Question: What would be your definition of kindness?

Summary: Defining kindness.

Competition: Miss World Philippines 2024

Answer: Empathy in action.

Contestant: Gwendolyne Fourniol

Question: Where do you get your strength from?

Summary: Source of strength.

Competition: Miss World Philippines 2024

Answer: Inner faith.

Contestant: Krishnah Gravidez

Question: What is your favorite memory?

Summary: Favorite memory.

Competition: Miss Austin Texas 2022

Answer: Family moments.

Contestant: Sample

Question: What current topic in the news has caught your attention and why?

Summary: Current events.

Competition: Miss America 2026

Answer: AI ethics.

Contestant: Emma Terry

Question: Define feminism.

Summary: Feminism definition.

Competition: Various

Answer: Equality advocacy.

Contestant: Harnaaz Sandhu

Question: What advice would you give to young women on how to deal with pressure?

Summary: Dealing with pressure.

Competition: Miss India 2020

Answer: Mindfulness.

Contestant: Adline Castelino

Question: According to you, which profession deserves the highest salary: a soldier, a doctor, or the chief justice of the Supreme Court, and why?

Summary: Profession value.

Competition: Femina Miss India 2020

Answer: Soldier for sacrifice.

Contestant: Manasa Varanasi

Question: What is one stereotype about women that you would like to break, and how would you do it?

Summary: Stereotype breaking.

Competition: Miss Universe 2020

Answer: Weakness myth through examples.

Contestant: Julia Gama

Question: I am giving you a choice to change the world or to change yourself. What would you choose to do and why?

Summary: Change choice.

Competition: Femina Miss India 2023

Answer: Self-change first.

Contestant: Nandini Gupta2021

 

February, 24th 2026