The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts has issued a statement asserting the Maldivian government's opposition to participation in the Miss Universe contest. The ministry emphasized that the government stands against any activities that conflict with the norms, religion, and culture of the Maldives, underscoring that the community does not accept participation in such events.
The statement from the ministry highlights the importance of upholding community and cultural values, reinforcing the government's commitment to preserving the nation's heritage.
This announcement follows a post made by the Mexican embassy in New Delhi on the social media platform X, indicating that a visa had been issued for a Maldivian. In this year's Miss Universe pageant, Maldives will be represented by 21 year old Mariyam Shaina Naseem. The pageant will be held from November 14 to 16 in Mexico, featuring a total of 126 participants from 73 countries. Notably, several Muslim-majority countries such as Indonesia, Pakistan, and the UAE are participating in the contest.
The government's decision has sparked discussions on cultural representation and the balance between global events and national identity, as the Maldives continues to navigate its position within an increasingly interconnected world.