Story by Patience Nyagato
AS the lights brighten over Bangkok in Thailand and the world counts down to the Miss Universe 2025 coronation, Zimbabwe stands at a pivotal moment that stretches far beyond the glitz of evening gowns and global pageantry.
With Lyshanda Moyas proudly wearing the Zimbabwean sash, the nation steps onto a universal stage not only to compete, but to reintroduce itself to the world.
For Zimbabwe, this moment signals resilience, rebranding, and renewed confidence at a time when global perception matters more than ever.
Head of the Department of International Relations and Diplomacy at Africa University, Dr Alexander Rusero, says the participation is not just symbolic, but is also strategically significant.
“The participation of Zimbabwe in the Miss Universe from an international relations and diplomacy point of view is a welcome development as it helps to spruce up much-battered Zimbabwe’s image. Zimbabwe has been on a rebound, as testified by Forbes magazine, which characterised the country as the number one destination for 2025,” he said.
In an era where national attractiveness can translate to investment, tourism, and cultural influence, platforms like Miss Universe become more than entertainment.
Zimbabwe’s presence aligns with global practice, where states use cultural diplomacy as part of their foreign policy toolkit.
“Through cultural diplomacy, it becomes a platform to foster a country’s visibility. It becomes a platform to foster or build a country’s visibility. especially on the national or international arena by obviously increasing mutual cooperation, understanding, and respect between nation states. That is being done by both politicians, ambassadors, and people who will be participating in beauty pageants by building and cementing relations between nation-states.
“Relations between people through the promotion of cultural exchange and dialogue. As I have already espoused, diplomacy has been and continues to play a critical role in the contemporary globalized world,” explained Bindura University of Science International Relations, Politics & Diplomacy lecturer, Dr Darlington Ngoni Mahuku.
With Lyshanda Moyas as a cultural envoy, Zimbabwe has the opportunity to dismantle long-held stereotypes and showcase an evolving identity built on innovation, hospitality, resilience, and creativity.
As the finale approaches in less than five days, Zimbabwe’s flag rises not only in the arena but in global consciousness.
The world is watching, and through this participation, Zimbabwe tells a story of pride, rebirth, and diplomacy.
