Thomas flies Botswana flag high at 73rd Miss World
10 Aug 2026
Miss Botswana 2026 Ruth Thomas has departed for Vietnam to represent Botswana at the 73rd Miss World Festival, taking with her a message of inclusion, self-worth and the power of dreams through her Beauty With a Purpose project, The Beauty Movement.
Thomas joins more than 120 national ambassadors at this year’s Miss World Festival, which runs from August 9 to September 5 in Vietnam.
The festival is particularly significant as Miss World celebrates its 75th anniversary, while Vietnam hosts the prestigious international competition for the first time.
Through The Beauty Movement, Thomas seeks to challenge traditional perceptions of beauty by promoting confidence, self-worth and inclusion, particularly among people who are often overlooked or marginalised.
The initiative has also focused on empowering survivors of gender-based violence and creating conversations around self-esteem and acceptance.
Thomas has further partnered with FNB Botswana and Project24 Africa in an initiative aimed at empowering young people and demonstrating how dreams, inclusion and opportunity can open new possibilities.
According to Miss World, Thomas’ Beauty With a Purpose journey is centred on empowering young people, promoting inclusion and showing that dreams can flourish beyond limitations.
Reflecting on her advocacy work, Thomas said beauty extends far beyond appearances.
“True beauty is not always about what the eyes can see but what the heart and soul can feel,” she said, adding that the initiative was about forging bright futures and highlighting the power of dreams.
She also highlighted the importance of partnerships in creating lasting impact, saying meaningful change becomes possible when organisations work together to support communities and provide opportunities for young people.
As she prepares to take the Botswana flag to the international stage, Thomas said Botswana is a country known not only for its diamonds but also for producing some of the country’s greatest athletic champions.
Her participation gives her an opportunity to present another side of Botswana to the world — one centred on people, dreams, inclusion, resilience and purpose.
The Miss World Festival will culminate in the grand finale on September 5 in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
The reigning Miss World is Opal Suchata of Thailand, who won the 72nd Miss World title in 2025.
For Ruth, however, the journey to Miss World is about more than competing for a crown. It is about taking The Beauty Movement and its message of purpose, inclusion and possibility to a global audience. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : Bakang Wren
Location : Gaborone
Event : Interview
Date : 10 Aug 2026
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