Ethiopia's own Hasset Dereje, who captivated audiences by securing 1st place in Africa and 2nd globally at the recently concluded Miss World pageant, has been officially appointed as a Cultural Ambassador for her nation.
Dereje received a heroes' welcome at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport following her impressive performance at the "Miss World" international beauty competition held in Hyderabad, India.
A high-level delegation, including State Minister of Culture and Sports, Assistant Professor Nebiyou Baye, State Minister of Culture and Sports, Nefisa Almahadi, and Head of Addis Ababa Culture, Arts, and Tourism Bureau, Dr. Hirut Kassa, were on hand to greet her.
The 72nd Miss World competition brought together contestants from 108 countries, providing Hasset a significant platform to showcase Ethiopia's rich cultural heritage and positive image to a global audience.
"We Must Show Our True Heritage": Hasset Dereje
In a statement following her appointment, Hasset underscored the importance of presenting Ethiopia's authentic identity to the world. "We must show our country's true image, demonstrating that it is the origin of humankind and a beacon of freedom," she declared.
Hasset shared that her experience at the pageant revealed a widespread misinterpretation of Ethiopia among the international community. "Most of the international community's understanding of our country is not accurate or true," she noted, emphasizing her realization that she "needed to show the true face of Ethiopia."
She further stressed the significant role the beauty sector can play in shaping a nation's image. To harness this potential, Hasset advocated for a re-evaluation of perceptions within the industry and the empowerment of emerging talents. She affirmed her commitment to supporting and advancing individuals with potential and skill in the field who have faced barriers to progress.