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.
The programme began with an educational exhibition where visitors could review factual information about drugs, addiction and prevention. Several contestants completed online drug-education Dublin courses before the event, with some finishing all fourteen modules.
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 was named first runner-up, while Yuki Yuliatin became second runner-up.
The event demonstrated how multicultural celebrations can also provide a platform for education, responsibility and positive community engagement. A fuller report on the Dublin multicultural pageant and drug-education initiative provides additional details about the contestants, performances and educational programme.