Anticipation is building across Sierra Leone as Mariyam Lorba Konneh prepares to take the global stage once again at the ongoing 73rd Miss World competition in Vietnam, where she is scheduled to participate in the prestigious Head-to-Head Challenge on Monday, August 24. The challenge is regarded as one of the most important fast-track events of the Miss World competition and has the potential to significantly boost a contestant’s chances of advancing further in the pageant.
According to the official programme released to contestants, activities will begin in the morning with delegates departing their hotel for the Head-to-Head Challenge venue before the preliminary sessions. A draw for the Head-to-Head Final will also be conducted before the live final event takes place later in the evening.
With Vietnam operating six hours ahead of Sierra Leone, the LIVE Head-to-Head Final scheduled for 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Vietnam time will be broadcast between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM Sierra Leone time on Monday, August 24, giving Sierra Leoneans an opportunity to watch and support their representative in real time.
The Head-to-Head Challenge is designed to test contestants’ communication skills, leadership qualities, intelligence, advocacy work and ability to influence positive change in society. During the competition, delegates are expected to present and defend issues that matter to them while showcasing the impact of their humanitarian projects and community initiatives. It is one of the few segments of Miss World where contestants are judged primarily on substance, vision and purpose rather than appearance.
For Sierra Leone, Mariyam’s participation represents much more than a pageant appearance. Through Mariyam’s Ways Foundation, she has championed initiatives focused on women’s empowerment, menstrual hygiene advocacy, education support and community development. Her journey at Miss World has provided a unique platform to showcase Sierra Leone’s culture, resilience, talent and potential to a worldwide audience.
Supporters are being encouraged to follow the competition through the official Miss World YouTube channel, where Miss World events and livestreams are regularly broadcast.
Meanwhile, Sierra Leoneans have also been reminded that voting remains open and every vote continues to matter. Public support has become a crucial component of success at international pageants, and supporters are being urged to continue voting, sharing campaign materials and encouraging others to rally behind Sierra Leone’s representative.
Observers believe the Head-to-Head Challenge could be one of Mariyam’s strongest opportunities to shine, given her passion for social impact and her extensive community work. As she prepares to speak before judges and a global audience, many Sierra Leoneans are expected to tune in and witness one of the country’s daughters proudly carrying the national flag on one of the world’s biggest stages.
With the nation watching and supporting from home and across the diaspora, Monday’s challenge offers another opportunity for Mariyam Lorba Konneh to tell Sierra Leone’s story to the world and further strengthen the country’s presence at Miss World 2026.
Sierra Leoneans are therefore encouraged not only to continue voting but also to join the live broadcast from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Sierra Leone time to cheer on Mariyam as she competes in what could be one of the defining moments of her Miss World journey.