International 2023 — Miss Planet

Following Varela's reign, the pageant continued its growth in Cambodia. Most recently, of Cambodia was crowned Miss Planet International 2026 on March 15, 2026, marking a historic home-country win for the hosting nation.

The Miss Planet International pageant is deeply rooted in the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Candidates are tasked with proposing a "Sustainable Development Goal #18" to enrich the 2030 Agenda, focusing on saving the planet and humanity. Varela’s platform emphasized a "4S" approach: dumping waste. Stop deforestation. Stop killing wildlife. Start planting trees together. Event Context and Controversy Miss Planet International 2023

The competition featured representatives from various nations, with the final top seven as follows: Maria Luisa Varela ( Philippines ) 1st Runner-up: Zimbabwe 2nd Runner-up: Japan 3rd Runner-up: Vietnam 4th Runner-up: Finland 5th Runner-up: Latvia 6th Runner-up: Cambodia Advocacy and Mission Following Varela's reign, the pageant continued its growth