The Miss Bird of Paradise (MBOP) Papua New Guinea Pageant has officially announced a nationwide call for the 22 provinces to participate in the 2025 pageant. This historic event will celebrate PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary, bringing together young women from across the country to showcase their leadership, cultural heritage, and advocacy on a national stage. At a press conference hosted by the MBOP Executive Committee, Chairperson Anna Bais emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating, “For the first time in PNG’s pageantry history, we are inviting all 22 provinces to participate, ensuring representation of our country’s rich cultural diversity during this momentous year.” The 2025 MBOP Pageant is more than a beauty competition because it becomes a leadership platform that aims to empower young women while amplifying the voices of children with disabilities. Bais highlighted this commitment by adding, “We want to be seen not just as a pageant but as an organization advocating for women’s empowerment and inclusivity for children with disabilities.” Reigning Miss Bird of Paradise, May Hasola, who also holds the title of Miss PNG Tourism, will work closely with the Tourism Promotion Authority and 22 provincial tourism offices to promote local culture and tourism through this initiative and these Sponsors & Partnerships with MBOP Pageant includes the ongoing support from key sponsors: TOURISM PROMOTION AUTHORITY – supporting since the inaugural pageant K92 MINING LTD. NATIONAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY – providing office space and venue for the press conference PARADISE BOUTIQUE – official sponsor for hair, makeup, and wardrobe DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT & RELIGION MBOP is also partnering with provincial governments, tourism offices, and existing pageants to ensure successful participation from all regions. Bais noted that provinces without established pageants can nominate candidates through local authorities, with MBOP conducting the selection process. REGISTRATION & SELECTION CRITERIA To participate, contestants must: Be 18 to 26 years old. Be a PNG citizen from their respective province. Have a strong knowledge of their cultural heritage. Have completed secondary education (tertiary education is an advantage). Exhibit good moral standing and leadership qualities. Provinces are encouraged to hold their own pageants to select a representative, with a final deadline of September 16, 2025, for submitting their provincial queens. With the theme: "50 YEARS OF CELEBRATING 22 PROVINCES – ONE NATION, ONE PEOPLE, UNITY IN DIVERSITY." This initiative aims to preserve and showcase PNG’s rich cultural heritage. Anna Bais concluded, “In a time when we risk losing our traditions, what better way to celebrate our Golden Jubilee than by empowering our young women as cultural and tourism ambassadors?” As PNG looks ahead to its 50th anniversary, the 2025 Miss Bird of Paradise Pageant promises to be a landmark event in national unity, women’s leadership, and cultural preservation.