DUBAI, UAE, Nov 6, (Agencies): The 72nd Miss Universe competition is currently hosting the "Voice for Change" video contest, where contestants express their personal advocacies in a three-minute video. Representatives from the Arab world, including Bahrain, Egypt, and Lebanon, also presented their respective causes.

Miss Universe Bahrain, Lujane Yacoub, highlighted the importance of community centers in Bahrain. She shared her personal journey, mentioning that as a young child with a hearing disability, her local community center played a pivotal role in her life. Yacoub explained how she struggled academically until she was diagnosed with an audio-processing disorder. She credited her local community center for saving her, as it was where she discovered her talent for ballet and drawing, giving her hope. Now, she teaches volunteer classes at a Bahrain community center to help young artists find their own strengths. Yacoub also discussed the Bahrain Trust Foundation's efforts to establish more community centers in Bahrain and enhance existing ones to provide support and resources for mothers and children.

Miss Universe Egypt, Mohra Tantawy, emphasized the life-saving work of the Red Cross and Crescent in the face of humanitarian crises worldwide. She pointed out that one in 45 people globally requires urgent assistance due to conflicts, natural disasters, or displacement. Tantawy encouraged global support for these organizations by raising awareness, mobilizing resources, making donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.

Miss Universe Lebanon, Maya Abou El-Hosn, passionately addressed the education crisis in Lebanon. She cited UNESCO's statistics indicating that two-thirds of Lebanese students lack basic literacy, with a significant drop in enrollment in educational institutions. Many Lebanese teachers struggle to make a living, earning as little as $3 a month, leading to suspensions of their careers. Abou El-Hosn called for collective action to ensure that a whole generation of students is not left behind and can pursue productivity and independence instead of relying on donations.

These Miss Universe contestants are using their platform to raise awareness and advocate for important causes in their respective countries.