President Luis Abinader welcomed Miss World 2026 Joheirry Mola to the National Palace on Tuesday to award her the Presidential Medal of Civil Merit following her pageant victory in Vietnam.
The head of state congratulated Mola during the official meeting in Santo Domingo for her historic triumph and for representing the Caribbean nation on the international stage.
Vice President Raquel Peña accompanied President Abinader at the presidential residence during the reception for the newly crowned beauty queen.
According to a press release from the Presidency, the Presidential Medal of Civil Merit recognizes Mola for her career trajectory, civic spirit, and faith in the country. The government statement noted that the honor distinguishes the dedication and pride that outstanding citizens bring to the Dominican Republic.
National Recognition and Honors
The formal ceremony follows Mola's victory at the Miss World 2026 competition, held in Nha Trang, Vietnam, on September 5.
President Abinader had previously celebrated her win on his social media account on X, writing that her coronation made history for the Dominican Republic and that the entire nation celebrated the achievement alongside her.
Several key figures from the pageant organization attended the ceremony at the National Palace. The delegation included Miss World Dominican Republic President Diany Mota and Miss World Dominican Republic Director Diana Victoria Mota.
Mariasela Álvarez, who won Miss World Dominican Republic in 1982, was also present for the presidential reception alongside other attendees.
Historic Victory for the Dominican Republic
Mola's victory marks the return of the Miss World crown to the Dominican Republic after 44 years. The country's previous international titleholder was Álvarez, a Dominican communicator who won the global competition in 1982.
The 24-year-old beauty queen works as a teacher and communicator. Throughout the international competition, she promoted messages focused on education, service, and purpose.
During the final stage of the contest in Vietnam, Mola highlighted the importance of teaching English to children as a tool to expand their learning and communication opportunities.
Background on Miss World and the Presidency
Miss World is an international beauty pageant established in the United Kingdom in 1951. The annual competition gathers representatives from across the globe to evaluate contestants on leadership, public speaking, and philanthropic initiatives alongside stage presentation. Host city Nha Trang is a coastal destination in southern Vietnam.
The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean nation located on the island of Hispaniola. The National Palace in Santo Domingo serves as the official seat of government and primary office of the presidency, where President Luis Abinader has served as head of state since taking office in 2020.
