Joheirry Mola Dominguez of the Dominican Republic was crowned Miss World 2026 during the pageant’s finale on Saturday, September 5, in Vietnam, beating out a field of 111 contestants.
She placed ahead of Spain’s Elisabeth Reynés Alabern, who secured first runner‑up, with Malaysia’s Taanusiya Chetty as second runner‑up.
At 24, Mola is an educator, communicator and community advocate, becoming the Dominican Republic’s second Miss World—44 years after Mariasela Álvarez captured the title in 1982.
Mola succeeds Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri, the first Thai woman to claim the Miss World crown in 2025.
Beyond the title, Mola’s victory stemmed from her education‑focused “Beauty With a Purpose” initiative, which promotes English‑language learning for children and youths in underserved communities.
During the final question‑and‑answer session, Mola explained how education lies at the heart of her humanitarian work.
“My Beauty With a Purpose is to take English programme to educate our communities because I believe when they know this language, the opportunities they will get and doors that will open onto their lives are huge,” she said.
Mola also challenged conventional notions of beauty, insisting that women should be valued for the impact they make.
“As a woman I want to bring to the table a woman who knows that physical beauty is not all that. That her purpose is bigger than herself,” she said, adding that as a teacher, she wants children to understand that life is about “purpose and serving.”
The pageant also offered a stage for Uganda’s representative, Miss Uganda Trivia Elle Muhoza, to spotlight challenges facing women, children and vulnerable populations.
Muhoza’s platform centered on combating gender‑based violence, protecting minority groups, promoting human rights, building community resilience and supporting development.
Her participation amplified her advocacy against gender‑based violence; she urged women to develop skills, step outside their comfort zones, earn income and achieve financial independence to lessen vulnerability and reliance on men.
Muhoza showcased a fashion statement at the Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest, presenting “The Layers of Life,” a gown by Keesha Abdallah that draws inspiration from the seven anatomical layers of a caesarean section, honoring motherhood and the birthing journey.
Her involvement ensured that concerns for women, children and vulnerable groups stayed in Uganda’s global spotlight.
Former Miss World Opal Suchata Chuangsri extended congratulations to the new entrants and reflected on the duty to carry forward the pageant’s legacy.
“I am grateful for this opportunity and for the next Miss World. We will always be by your side as a family,” Suchata said.
With the iconic blue crown passing to a new bearer, attention now shifts to Africa, as Tanzania is set to host the upcoming Miss World Festival in 2027.
