Introduction
The year 2025 will forever be remembered in the world of pageantry as the year Colombia reclaimed its glory on the Miss International stage. On November 27, 2025, the Yoyogi National Stadium in Tokyo, Japan, witnessed an unforgettable moment as Catalina Duque Abréu was crowned Miss International 2025, earning Colombia its fourth title. Her victory was not only a breathtaking triumph but also a cultural celebration, a story of resilience, and a reflection of how modern pageantry continues to evolve beyond physical beauty.
Catalina’s journey is the perfect example of discipline meeting destiny. Competing against 79 other contestants from across the globe, she distinguished herself through poise, eloquence, and an advocacy-driven purpose aligned deeply with the Miss International motto, “Cheer All Women.” Her story is one of heritage, hard work, and inspiration – making her one of the most influential queens in contemporary beauty pageant history.
Table of Contents
🌍 A Crown Beyond Beauty: The Significance of Miss International 2025
The Miss International pageant has always stood apart for its philosophy that beauty must exist alongside goodwill, cultural understanding, and advocacy. Unlike pageants that focus primarily on glamour, Miss International celebrates peace, education, diplomacy, and women’s empowerment.
Catalina Duque’s crowning reflects all these values beautifully. Her win symbolizes the rise of modern Colombian women – women defined not only by charm and elegance but by intellect, compassion, and purposeful ambition. This edition of Miss International demonstrated how far the pageant has come in embracing diversity and substance, and Catalina embodied that evolution perfectly.
Her victory also ended a 28-year drought for Colombia’s Antioquia region, making her accomplishment deeply emotional for thousands of Colombians across the world. From Medellín to Miami, and from Tokyo to Bogotá, her triumph united people in pride, joy, and celebration.
👑 Catalina Duque’s Journey: From Medellín Roots to Global Recognition
🌱 Early Childhood and Family Background
Catalina Duque Abréu’s story begins in Miami, Florida, where she was born on September 20, 1999. Though her birthplace was in the United States, her roots are deeply Colombian. Her parents, Dr. Carlos Simon Duque Fisher and Clara Abreu Vélez, hailed from Medellín, Antioquia, a region known for its vibrant culture, resilience, and strong sense of identity.
Growing up in a bicultural environment, Catalina was exposed to both American and Colombian traditions. This duality gave her a unique worldview – she learned to navigate two cultures seamlessly, which later became one of her defining strengths in international pageantry. Her family emphasized discipline, education, and cultural pride, instilling values that would guide her throughout her journey.
- Miami upbringing: Early exposure to diverse cultures and languages.
- Colombian heritage: Strong ties to Antioquia’s traditions and values.
- Family influence: Parents encouraged academic excellence and cultural awareness.
📚 Education and Academic Pursuits
Catalina Duque pursued her higher education at EAFIT University in Medellín, one of Colombia’s most prestigious institutions. Her choice to study in Medellín reflected her desire to reconnect with her Colombian roots and contribute to her homeland’s intellectual and cultural landscape.
At EAFIT, she was known for her dedication to academics and her ability to balance studies with her growing interest in modeling and advocacy. Her education emphasized not only technical knowledge but also leadership, communication, and social responsibility – skills that would later prove invaluable in her pageant career.
- EAFIT University: Alma mater where she honed leadership and communication skills.
- Academic discipline: Balanced rigorous studies with modeling and advocacy.
- Global outlook: Education reinforced her ability to engage with international issues.
🌍 Cultural Identity and Early Influences
Catalina Duque’s bicultural upbringing gave her a unique identity. While Miami exposed her to global diversity, Medellín grounded her in Colombian traditions. This blend of influences shaped her personality: cosmopolitan yet deeply rooted in her heritage.
Her early experiences included participating in cultural events, community service, and local modeling opportunities. These activities nurtured her confidence and public presence, preparing her for the demanding world of pageantry.
- Bicultural identity: Fusion of American exposure and Colombian traditions.
- Community involvement: Early participation in cultural and social initiatives.
Modeling beginnings: Local opportunities that built her stage presence.
Pageantry Path: The Rise of a Queen
Her pageant journey is one marked by persistence and natural leadership:
- Miss Antioquia 2024 – where she first captured public attention with her grace and confidence
- Miss Colombia 2024 – a national triumph that opened the doors to international recognition
- Miss International 2025 – her ultimate victory, achieved through dedication, discipline, and heartfelt advocacy
From her first local pageant to the global stage of Tokyo, Catalina remained authentic and purpose-driven, inspiring countless young Colombians to believe in the power of consistency and self-belief.
✨ The Coronation Night: A Magical Evening in Tokyo
The 63rd edition of Miss International was a sparkling affair filled with glamour, elegance, and cultural richness.
- Venue: Yoyogi National Stadium, Tokyo
- Delegates: 79 contestants from different continents
- Theme: Global harmony, unity, and empowerment
The evening showcased grand performances, traditional costume displays, and powerful speeches. But among all the contestants, Catalina Duque stood out with her serene confidence, eloquence, and genuine warmth.
The Top 5 of Miss International 2025
- 1st Runner-up: Yollanda Chimbarami (Zimbabwe)
- 2nd Runner-up: Paola Guzmán Sanchez (Bolivia)
- 3rd Runner-up: Melliza Xaviera Yulian (Indonesia)
- 4th Runner-up: Myrna Esguerra (Philippines)
Each finalist delivered powerful speeches, but Catalina’s final answer distinguished her from the rest.
Catalina Duque’s Winning Answer
Her response centered on the importance of cherishing life’s big and small moments. She spoke about humility, gratitude, and the beauty of living the present while working toward a meaningful future. Her sincerity resonated with the judges and the audience, making her the clear choice for the crown.
Colombia’s Triumph: A Moment of National Joy
Catalina Duque’s win is now part of Colombia’s pageant legacy. With her, Colombia now holds four Miss International Titles, previously won in:
- 1960 – Stella Márquez
- 1999 – Paulina Gálvez
- 2004 – Jeymmy Paola Vargas
- 2025 – Catalina Duque Abréu
For Antioquia, her home region, it ended a 28-year drought, making her a symbol of perseverance and regional pride.
🌟 Catalina Duque’s Advocacy: Beauty With a Purpose
Catalina Duque’s message to the world is rooted in empowerment, empathy, and cultural connection.
📚 Advocacy for Education
One of Catalina’s central advocacies is access to quality education for underprivileged children. She has consistently emphasized that education is the foundation for breaking cycles of poverty and inequality.
- Scholarship Programs: Catalina has partnered with NGOs in Colombia to provide scholarships for rural children, especially girls, who often face barriers to continuing their studies.
- School Infrastructure Projects: She has raised funds to build libraries and digital learning centers in Antioquia, ensuring that children in remote areas have access to modern educational resources.
- Mentorship Initiatives: Through workshops, she mentors young women, encouraging them to pursue careers in science, technology, and leadership.
Her advocacy resonates globally, aligning with Miss International’s mission of promoting peace and understanding through cultural exchange and education.
👩👧 Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality
Catalina Duque’s reign is also defined by her commitment to women’s rights and empowerment.
- Vocational Training for Women: She has launched programs that train women in entrepreneurship, tailoring, and digital skills, enabling them to achieve financial independence.
- Campaigns Against Gender-Based Violence: Catalina collaborates with organizations to raise awareness about domestic violence and provides support networks for survivors.
- Representation in Leadership: She advocates for greater representation of women in politics and business, using her platform to highlight success stories and inspire change.
Her work reflects her belief that empowering women strengthens entire communities.
🏥 Health and Humanitarian Work
Catalina Duque has also dedicated her efforts to health-related charity work, particularly in underserved communities.
- Medical Missions: Partnering with healthcare NGOs, she organizes medical camps in rural Colombia, offering free check-ups, vaccinations, and maternal care.
- Mental Health Advocacy: Recognizing the stigma around mental health, she promotes awareness campaigns and supports counseling services for youth.
- Nutrition Programs: She has initiated feeding programs for children in impoverished areas, ensuring they receive balanced meals to support their growth and education.
Her humanitarian work demonstrates a holistic approach to community development, addressing both physical and emotional well-being.
🌱 Environmental Advocacy
Catalina Duque’s advocacy extends to environmental sustainability, reflecting her awareness of global challenges.
- Tree-Planting Campaigns: She has led reforestation projects in Antioquia, involving local schools and communities.
- Plastic-Free Initiatives: Catalina promotes eco-friendly practices, encouraging communities to reduce plastic use and adopt sustainable alternatives.
- Climate Education: She integrates environmental awareness into her educational programs, teaching children about conservation and climate change.
Her environmental work positions her as a role model for integrating beauty, advocacy, and sustainability.
🤝 Global Outreach and International Collaboration
As Miss International, Catalina Duque’s work transcends borders.
- UN Partnerships: She collaborates with UN agencies on initiatives related to education and gender equality.
- Cross-Cultural Programs: Catalina participates in cultural exchange projects, fostering understanding between nations.
- Global Charity Events: She attends international fundraisers, using her visibility to attract support for humanitarian causes.
Her global outreach reflects the essence of Miss International – building bridges across cultures through advocacy and service.
💡 Impact and Legacy
Catalina Duque’s reign is not just about wearing a crown; it is about leaving a legacy of empowerment and compassion.
- Thousands of children have benefited from her educational initiatives.
- Women in rural communities have gained financial independence through vocational training.
- Healthcare access has improved in underserved areas thanks to her medical missions.
- Environmental awareness has grown through her sustainability campaigns.
Her impact is measurable not only in statistics but in the lives transformed by her dedication.
📸 A Visual Legacy: Elegance and Empowerment Captured in Frames
Catalina Duque’s crowning moment has taken over international media, becoming one of the most shared pageant images of 2025. Her look – classic, elegant, and radiating confidence – has set a new standard in pageant aesthetics.
Photographs and video clips of her answering questions, interacting with fellow delegates, and celebrating with her team continue to trend globally. Her presence both onstage and offstage reflects a queen who is not just beautiful but also thoughtful, articulate, and compassionate.
🌐 Global Reactions: A Worldwide Celebration
Colombian Pride
The moment Catalina Duque was crowned, Colombians across the world celebrated with pride and excitement. Newspapers called her a “modern icon,” and social media erupted in support.
International Admiration
Pageant analysts and fans praised her elegance, composure, and message-driven approach to competition.
Social Media Buzz
Within minutes of her crowning:
- Her name trended worldwide
- Her winning answer was shared thousands of times
- Pageant pages highlighted her as a standout contestant
Her victory has sparked discussions about the future direction of pageantry and how queens like Catalina are reshaping global beauty standards.
📝 Conclusion: A Queen for Today and Tomorrow
Catalina Duque Abréu’s victory at Miss International 2025 marks the rise of a new generation of queens – women who combine beauty with intellect, cultural depth, and social purpose. Her journey from Miami to Medellín, and from pageant newcomer to international ambassador, shows that dreams rooted in passion and discipline can truly change the world. Her crown is not simply a symbol of beauty – it is a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and hope. As she begins her reign, Catalina represents not only Colombia but the global vision of what modern pageantry stands for: elegance with purpose, influence with humility, and beauty with a mission.
Also read about “Miss International 2025: Full Results, Highlights and Complete Event Breakdown“.
1 thought on “Miss International 2025 – Catalina Duque: Colombia’s New Queen of Culture, Elegance, and Empowerment”