Catalina Duque Abréu of Colombia, capturing the Miss International 2025 crown and securing her country’s fourth historic win.

Imagine the electric hum inside Tokyo’s Yoyogi National Gymnasium on November 27, 2025. Nearly 80 beauty ambassadors from around the world sweep under blinding lights, but one story takes command: Catalina Duque Abréu of Colombia, capturing the Miss International 2025 crown and securing her country’s fourth historic win.

Born in Miami in 1999 and raised in Colombia with deep Antioquian roots, the 26-year-old communications graduate fused charisma, sharp public speaking, and a mission-driven advocacy platform to eclipse finalists from the Philippines, Indonesia, Bolivia, and Zimbabwe. Crowned by Vietnam’s Huỳnh Thị Thanh Thủy, Duque’s triumph ended a 28-year title drought for Antioquia, rewriting Colombia’s pageant history.

A Night of Purpose, Power, and Poise

Miss International’s 63rd edition stayed true to the pageant’s 1960 foundation—celebrating peace, empathy, and humanitarian leadership. Contestants moved through swimsuits, evening gowns, national costumes, and SDG presentations, but Duque’s brilliance peaked during the final Q&A.

Facing off against Zimbabwe’s Yollanda Chimbarami, she delivered a striking reflection on “mono no aware,” the Japanese philosophy of cherishing life’s fleeting beauty—an answer that solidified her depth and poise.

Even murmurs of judge resignations over transparency couldn’t overshadow the night; TV Tokyo’s global broadcast captured a near-flawless showcase of culture, service, and leadership.

Spotlight: Kenya’s Fridah Muthoni Kariuki Returns With Purpose

Among the global contenders was Fridah Muthoni Kariuki, also known as Noni, who proudly returned Kenya to the Miss International stage after a four-year absence. Crowned Miss International Kenya 2025, Kariuki stepped into Tokyo as a climate advocate and youth leader, passionately championing environmental conservation, women’s empowerment, and sustainability.

A former Miss Tourism Africa, she was selected by the Young People's Network International (TYPNI) and publicly endorsed by Kenya’s First Daughter Charlene Ruto, strengthening her national platform. Her presence embodied “beauty with purpose,” leveraging the pageant’s global reach to amplify Kenyan voices on climate action and youth participation, with supporters able to vote for her on the official Miss International App.

Though she did not advance to the final placements dominated by Colombia, Zimbabwe, Bolivia, Indonesia, and the Philippines, Kariuki’s performance showcased Kenya’s cultural pride, intellect, and renewed commitment to global advocacy.

From Antioquia’s Pride to International Icon

Duque’s journey stretches beyond pageantry. Raised amid Colombia’s vibrant landscapes, she built a philanthropic profile supporting child development, cancer awareness, women’s empowerment, and education for vulnerable girls.

As Señorita Colombia 2024, she shattered nearly three decades without Antioquian representation, sharing her Tokyo journey through social media while highlighting Japanese traditions and her SDG project.

“This title reflects Colombian women’s strength to transform realities through culture and service,” she said after her coronation—her words amplifying Colombia’s rising power across global pageants.

A Reign Rooted in Grace and Global Impact

With Duque’s victory, Colombia’s four Miss International crowns stand as symbols of beauty fused with humanitarian purpose. The pageant continues to support UNICEF Japan and environmental causes through the Miss International Foundation.

This year’s continental lineup included Kenya’s Noni, Zimbabwe’s Yollanda Chimbarami (Africa winner), Bolivia’s Paola Guzmán Sánchez (second runner-up), Indonesia’s Melliza Xaviera Yulian (third runner-up), and the Philippines’ Myrna Esguerra (fourth runner-up, also Best National Costume).

But Duque’s vision—anchored in diplomacy, youth empowerment, and cross-cultural connection—sets her reign apart.

As this Antioquian force steps into her global role, one truth is undeniable:
Catalina Duque isn’t just wearing a crown—she’s carrying a mission.

And with rising advocates like Kenya’s Fridah Muthoni Kariuki beside her, Miss International 2025 becomes more than a pageant—it becomes a collective movement for global change.