PNG Queen Brings Youthful Spirit to Miss Pacific Islands Stage

Papua New Guinea’s Miss Bird of Paradise 2025–2026, Iampela Popena, is preparing to take the nation’s colours to the regional spotlight as she represents PNG at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant in Fiji next month.

The pageant, scheduled to run from February 13 to 20 in Nadi, will see contestants from more than ten Pacific nations gather to celebrate culture, leadership and regional identity, with Fiji hosting the event for the first time in seven years.

 PNG Queen Brings Youthful Spirit to Miss Pacific Islands Stage [Photo by Miss PNG]

Miss Popena, a proud daughter of Western Highlands Province, said the opportunity to represent both her province and Papua New Guinea on an international platform is a humbling one. She said the journey so far has been guided by faith and the support of her people.

“It is by God’s grace that I have come this far and will continue to humbly stand by my people and serve them,” she said. “I am thankful for the opportunity and look forward to showing the world what Papua New Guinea is.”

Behind the scenes, preparations are progressing steadily as Team Miss Bird of Paradise implements a structured program to ensure their representative is ready for the demands of the regional stage. Training has focused on public speaking, confidence building and refining key areas expected at the Miss Pacific Islands Pageant.

Chair Lady of Miss Bird of Paradise PNG, Anna Bais, said the organisation’s growing experience with regional pageants has strengthened preparations this year. She noted that Miss Popena will be the youngest contestant at the event, bringing fresh energy and enthusiasm to the PNG delegation.

“This year, our reigning Miss Bird of Paradise will be the youngest contestant on the MPIP stage,” Ms Bais said. “She brings with her youthful energy, enthusiasm and a fresh perspective of a young Papua New Guinean woman.”

Following online bullying incidents experienced during last year’s pageant, MBOP PNG has also tightened measures to protect contestants. A cyber safety campaign was conducted during the national pageant to promote respectful online engagement, while official platforms are now closely monitored to address abusive behaviour.

As the countdown to the pageant continues, Papua New Guineans are being encouraged to rally behind their queen and show support as she carries the nation’s identity onto the Pacific stage.

“Being the representative of our country on a regional platform is no easy feat. Let’s all stand behind our queen and ensure she knows we are supporting her,” Ms Bais said.