Founded in 2013, the competition promotes cultural heritage and global awareness of preservation. The most recent edition was held in 2022 in Limpopo, South Africa.
The 2026 event, the seventh season, has been approved by the Danang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and will take place from August 7 to 13 in Danang and Hue.
More than 40 contestants from around the world are expected to compete, with the grand final scheduled for August 12 in Danang.
Participants will take part in cultural and tourism activities across central Vietnam, including visits to landmarks such as Dragon Bridge, the Museum of Cham Sculpture and the Hue Monuments Complex.
Contestants will also join community programmes, including charity initiatives, cultural promotion events and a relay run aimed at encouraging healthy lifestyles and local engagement.
A highlight of the competition will be the Vietnamese ao dai segment, alongside national costume, sportswear and evening gown rounds. The top five finalists will advance to a question and answer round.
Further details on Vietnam’s representative, the judging panel and the crown are expected to be announced in the coming months.
In the previous edition, Abigail Pierre-Louis of Haiti won the title, followed by contestants from Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Vietnam has previously recorded strong results, with Truong Thai Thuy Duong reaching the top eight in 2016 and Tran Thi Thanh Truc placing in the top five in 2019.
Organisers said the event is expected to showcase Vietnam as a vibrant and welcoming destination while promoting the global message of preserving cultural heritage.
