Miss Namibia Cassia Sharpley left the country on Saturday to represent Namibia at the Miss Universe pageant in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the United States of America.

Sharpley has been chosen to represent Namibia at the 71st Miss Universe pageant, which will be held on January 14, 2023.

She will be competing against other beauty queens from 90 countries in the Miss Universe Organization (MUO), which is a global, inclusive organization that celebrates all cultures, backgrounds, and religions.

The organization creates a platform for women to share their stories and what drives them.

Participants of this international platform are equipped with the tools to effect positive change, both personally and professionally, with Sharpley focusing on her "Beauty for Charity" project on poverty alleviation through her Honeycomb Haven Foundation project.

She will continue to serve as a beacon of hope and role model by providing enduring examples of service for so many Namibians, especially young people.

On her journey to become Miss Universe 2023, she will go on to serve the country as a goodwill ambassador on the international stage to create global awareness of Namibia's beautiful land and its people.