ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia’s Haset Dereje returned home to a hero’s welcome after her remarkable performance at Miss World 2025 in India, where she was crowned 1st in Africa and 2nd globally.
The celebration, held at Bole International Airport, drew family, fans, and senior government officials, including State Minister for Culture and Sports, Nafisa Almahadi.
In recognition of her achievement, the Ministry of Culture and Sports named Haset a cultural ambassador of Ethiopia.
Speaking at the ceremony, State Minister Nafisa praised Haset’s accomplishment as a historic milestone for the country’s modeling industry.
“Haset’s victory is not just a personal triumph it is a source of national pride and a beacon of inspiration for young Ethiopians,” she said. She emphasized the importance of supporting emerging talent and promoting Ethiopia’s presence on global platforms.
Another Ministry of Culture and Sports State Minister Nebiyu Baye also commended Haset for elevating Ethiopia’s image internationally. He noted her ongoing advocacy, particularly in the areas of women’s and children’s health, and described her as a role model who balances grace with purpose.
In her remarks, Haset expressed gratitude for the national recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to social impact. “I have always seen myself as a representative of Ethiopia,” she said. “Going forward, I want to use my platform to make a meaningful difference especially in the lives of mothers and children.”
The event marked not only a celebration of Haset’s global achievement but also a renewed call for Ethiopian youth to aim high in arts, culture, and global advocacy.
BY NAOL GIRMA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 6 JUNE 2025
