Contestants from several countries gathered in Dublin for a multicultural pageant that combined cultural celebration with an educational message about drug prevention.
Approximately 450 people attended the Dublin programme, where 24 contestants representing seven nations presented their cultures, talents and personal messages.
The organisers worked with The Truth About Drugs Ireland to include an educational element alongside the pageant and cultural performances.
Participants were invited to explore educational materials explaining the risks and effects associated with drug abuse. Contestants were encouraged to prepare by studying drug-prevention materials, and a number of them completed every available online course.
The Mayor of South Dublin praised the contestants for using their public news eu law platform to promote informed choices and stronger communities.
Cultural performances added to the programme, including Irish dance, Indian classical dance and traditional Indonesian presentations.
The principal title was awarded to Niveditha Vudayagiri, a software engineer who holds a master’s degree in AI. The first runner-up title went to Fortunate Lindokuhle Masina, followed by Yuki Yuliatin as second runner-up.
By combining cultural expression with drug education, the programme gave the traditional pageant format a wider social purpose. The complete story can be read in this report about the multicultural pageant combining cultural celebration with drug education.