Miss Lebanon Nada Koussa to Compete in Miss Universe Amidst Lebanon’s Crisis
DUBAI: As the Miss Universe pageant in Mexico approaches on Nov. 16, Miss Lebanon Nada Koussa is gearing up to represent her country on the global stage. In a recent interview with Arab News, Koussa shared her motivations for participating in the competition despite Lebanon’s ongoing struggles under Israel’s bombardment.
Amplifying Lebanon’s Voice
With contestants from over 130 countries vying for the coveted title, Koussa stands out as one of the few candidates from the Middle East. She emphasized the importance of showcasing Lebanon’s resilience and strength during times of crisis.
“Representing Lebanon on the international stage is always important, and it becomes even more crucial in times of crisis,” she stated.
Advocating for Mental Health
Israel’s attacks on Lebanon have taken a toll on the nation, with over 3,000 lives lost in the past 13 months. Despite initial hesitations about leaving her humanitarian work behind, Koussa sees her participation in Miss Universe as an opportunity to shed light on the mental health needs of those affected by trauma.
“By participating in the Miss Universe competition, I am amplifying our voices as Lebanese people who are enduring unimaginable suffering,” Koussa explained.
Highlighting Lebanon’s Resilience
Hailing from the village of Rahbeh in Lebanon and holding a master’s degree in clinical psychology, Koussa is determined to raise awareness about the importance of psychological support, especially in crisis situations.
“Lebanon has endured many hardships, and I am dedicated to raising awareness about the need for psychological support for those affected by trauma,” she emphasized.
Lebanon on the Global Stage
As part of a promotional tour in Mexico alongside Miss Egypt Logina Salah and Miss Bahrain Shereen Ahmed, Koussa aims to keep Lebanon visible on the international platform. She believes that participating in Miss Universe is a way to prevent Lebanon from being marginalized and overlooked.