Kathmandu — In a world where beauty often overshadows substance, Nepal’s Miss World contestant Srichcha Pradhan is turning the spotlight on something far more urgent — the planet.

Representing Nepal at the 72nd Miss World pageant, Srichcha Pradhan isn’t just a contestant draped in elegance; she is a committed environmentalist who lives her values every single day. “I was living my entire life as an environmentalist: the clothes that I wear and the makeup that I put on my skin are all zero waste. They are friendly to the environment,” Pradhan said in a powerful statement that’s now resonating far beyond the pageant stage.

Nicknamed by fans as the “Tree Hugger Queen,” Pradhan wants to revolutionize the way we think and talk about climate action. For her, it’s not about billion-dollar pledges or flashy campaigns born out of a ‘saviour complex’. It’s about leading by example — and pushing people to take real, tangible steps in their daily lives.

“I want to flip the narrative when it comes to climate action plans,” she said. “We need to stop romanticizing big promises and start embracing real, personal change.”

As the Sagarmatha Sambaad — Nepal’s premier global climate dialogue — kicks off in Kathmandu this week, Pradhan’s voice adds a powerful cultural and generational layer to the summit’s urgent discussions. While political leaders and policymakers debate climate finance and adaptation, Pradhan embodies what grassroots action looks like in practice.

Her approach isn’t just symbolic. It’s deeply practical. From using zero-waste skincare to advocating sustainable fashion on international platforms, Pradhan is on a mission to make environmentalism aspirational and accessible — especially for the youth.

More than just a beauty queen, she is a reminder that climate leadership can come from anywhere — a catwalk, a classroom, or a Himalayan village. As glaciers melt and wildfires rise, Pradhan’s message is clear: climate change is not just a crisis, it’s a personal responsibility.

And if a young woman from Nepal can carry that message to the global stage wearing eco-friendly makeup and zero-waste fashion, maybe it’s time the rest of the world starts listening.

Srichcha Pradhan