Miss Planet International has become one of the pageants with a very well defined advocacy as this was the first competition on bringing the 17 Sustainable Development Goals as a mission.
Besides this organization encourages its candidates to enrich the 2030 Agenda by proposing the addition of a Sustainable Development Goal #18 created by them as a social project.
Welcome Ann-Sophie Van Gerven – Miss Planet Belgium
- 1) Can you tell us about your journey to becoming Miss Planet Belgium and what motivated you to participate in this pageant?
Last year Miss Planet International send me a message on Instagram.
At that moment the pageant was unknown by me.
After searching on social media and the Internet I discussed this with my national
directors from Miss Fashion (organisation in Belgium).
I believe in pageants with a purpose and in this international pageant it is absolutely
there.
As Miss Planet Belgium, I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. I look
forward to using my voice and influence to make a meaningful difference, both
during my reign and beyond. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable and
harmonious relationship with planet Earth, and I am honored to be a part of that
journey.
- 2) Sustainability is a key aspect of Miss Planet International. How has your background in waste management influenced your commitment to environmental causes?
After working for five years in waste management I was constantly working with
solving waste problems at large industrial companies in Belgium.
I helped them with the education of employees how to sort out waste in their
company.
Since then I really got a passion for solving cases in waste management.
It gave me a lot of satisfaction about doing something for our planet.
My background in waste management aligns perfectly with the values and goals of
Miss Planet International, particularly its emphasis on sustainability. I see this as
an incredible opportunity to leverage my expertise and passion to contribute
meaningfully to the organization’s mission. I’m eager to use my platform to raise
awareness about environmental issues, promote sustainable practices, and inspire
others to join me in working towards a more sustainable future for our planet.»
- 3) What initiatives or projects would you like to be involved in to promote sustainability and environmental awareness during your reign as Miss Planet Belgium?
I am deeply committed to promoting sustainability and environmental awareness
during my reign as Miss Planet Belgium. These issues are not only important to me
personally but also crucial for the well-being of our planet and future generations. I
am excited about the opportunity to make a positive impact and inspire others to
join me in this important mission.
- 4) Miss Planet International will take place in Cambodia this year. How do you plan to contribute to raising awareness about environmental issues in the context of this global event?
My approach to raising awareness about environmental issues during Miss Planet
International in Cambodia will be multifaceted, encompassing education, sustainable practices, collaboration, and engagement. Together, we can use this global platform to inspire positive change and advocate for a more sustainable future for all.
- 5) Could you share with us some of the challenges you’ve faced in advocating for sustainability, and how you’ve overcome them?
Certainly! Advocating for sustainability often involves navigating various challenges.
I think it is the key to make it as interesting as possible with the right content and way of bringing it to the public. Luckily my studies in marketing management are helping me with this aspect.
- 6) In your opinion, what role do beauty pageants play in promoting environmental conservation and sustainability on a global scale?
Beauty pageants have the potential to be powerful platforms for promoting environmental conservation and sustainability on a global scale. By harnessing their influence, resources, and creativity, beauty pageants can make a meaningful contribution to efforts to protect the planet for future generations.
Winners of international beauty pageants can make a whole campaign about these topics.
They get the opportunity to work a full year on advocating about these
topics.
- 7) Apart from your environmental advocacy, what other causes are close to your heart, and how do you plan to use your platform to support them?
I’m passionate about a lot of different topics
Mental Health Awareness: Mental health is a topic that is often stigmatized and overlooked, yet it affects millions of people worldwide. I’m committed to raising
awareness about mental health issues, reducing stigma, and promoting access to mental health resources and support. I use my platform to initiate conversations, share personal stories, and advocate for policies and programs that prioritize mental well-being and provide support for those in need.
Education and Youth Empowerment: Education is a powerful tool for empowerment and social change. I support initiatives that promote access to quality education for all children and youth, regardless of their background or circumstances.
I advocate for inclusive and equitable education systems that foster critical thinking, creativity, and lifelong learning, empowering young people to become active global citizens and leaders in their communities.
Safe work environment: Working in a safe and secure working environment for
everyone is also something that is close to my heart.
Right now I’m working as a business development manager in total safety for
multinational industrial companies in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Giving each one of us a safe work place with no risks of danger is what every person
deserves.
By leveraging my platform and voice as Miss Planet Belgium, I strive to raise awareness, inspire action, and advocate for positive change on different important issues.
Whether through public speaking, community outreach, social media activism, or collaborations with organizations and stakeholders, I’m dedicated to
making a difference and using my platform for good.
- 8) We follow you on social media, we know you have a passion for music. How do you integrate your love for music into your environmental initiatives or your role as Miss Planet Belgium?
Probably you have seen me in a picture at Tomorrowland.
Music has the power to transcend boundaries, unite communities, and amplify
messages of hope and change, making it a valuable asset in my advocacy efforts.
- 9) As someone with a diverse set of interests and experiences, how do you balance your personal life, professional endeavors, and your role as a beauty queen?
That’s a good question but easy to answer. Balancing personal life, professional endeavors, and the responsibilities of being a beauty queen can indeed be a juggling act, but with careful planning and prioritization, it’s possible to find harmony between these different aspects of life.
Overall, finding balance is an ongoing process that requires self-awareness, discipline, and adaptability. By being intentional about how I allocate my time and energy and making self-care a priority.
I’m able to pursue my diverse interests and responsibilities while maintaining my life.
- 10) What advice would you give to young women who aspire to make a positive impact on the Planet and society, like you have?
Just go for it and still be you! You must remember that every individual has the potential to make a difference, regardless of age, background, or circumstances. By harnessing your passion, knowledge, and determination, you can contribute to building a better world for future generations.
- 11) Eurovision is a big event for music enthusiasts. Do you have any favorite Eurovision performances or memorable moments from past contests?
Absolutely! Eurovision is indeed a spectacular event filled with memorable performances and moments.
Each year, the contest continues to showcase incredible talent and creativity from across Europe and beyond, making it a must-watch event for music enthusiasts everywhere.
Of course I will always support the Belgium team, but I must say the Netherlands
also have a very good performance.
- 12) How do you think music and the arts can be utilized to inspire action on environmental issues and promote sustainability?
Music and the arts have a powerful ability to evoke emotions, stimulate thought, and inspire action. When utilized effectively, they can be valuable tools for raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainability in several ways.
Overall, music and the arts play a vital role in engaging hearts and minds, sparking conversations, and driving positive change on environmental issues. When harnessed effectively, they can inspire a global movement towards a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
- 13) Your top 5 for Eurovision 2024?
- The Netherlands
- Belgium
- Croatia
- Ireland
- Switzerland
- 14) What are some of your favorite hobbies or pastimes outside of your environmental advocacy and pageant duties?
Outside of those roles, I enjoy a variety of activities! Meeting with friends and family is definitely at the top of the list. I love doing different sports like fitness, indoor cycling, running, skiing,.. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, whether it’s going for a hike, taking a walk in nature, or simply enjoying a picnic in the park.
Cooking and experimenting with new recipes is another favorite hobby of mine.
I find it both relaxing and rewarding to create delicious meals from scratch.
And of course, I always make time for some quality relaxation, whether it’s watching a movie, listening to music, or practicing mindfulness and meditation to unwind.
- 15) Looking towards the future, what are your aspirations beyond your reign as Miss Planet Belgium, both personally and professionally?
Beyond my reign as Miss Planet Belgium, I have several aspirations both personally and professionally.
On a personal level, I aspire to continue my journey of self-improvement and growth. This includes furthering my education, exploring new interests, and nurturing meaningful relationships with friends and family. I also hope to travel more extensively, experiencing different cultures and expanding my worldview.
Professionally, I am passionate about continuing my advocacy work for environmental conservation and sustainability. I aim to leverage my platform and experiences as Miss Planet Belgium to make a positive impact on a larger scale.
Whether it’s through public speaking engagements, community outreach initiatives, or collaborations with environmental organizations, I want to contribute to the ongoing efforts to protect our planet for future generations.
In addition to my environmental advocacy work, I am also interested in pursuing opportunities that allow me to combine my passions for marketing and sales. This I can use in my role as business development manager where I can use my skills to inspire change and promote causes that are important to me.
Overall, my aspirations beyond my reign as Miss Planet Belgium are driven by a desire to make a meaningful difference in the world while continuing to grow personally and professionally.
- 16) How do you think that a perfect miss should be?
Of course nobody is perfect and we’re all authentic by being our true selfs, but I think these characteristics can fit for a perfect miss.
Confidence: A perfect miss exudes confidence in herself and her abilities. She walks with poise, speaks with conviction, and carries herself with grace on and off the stage.
Intelligence: Beyond just physical beauty, a perfect miss demonstrates intelligence
and knowledge about various topics. She is articulate, well-spoken, and capable of
engaging in meaningful conversations.
Kindness and Compassion: She exhibits kindness and compassion towards others, both in her interactions with fellow contestants and in her community involvement. Empathy and a genuine desire to make a positive impact are key traits.
Authenticity: Above all, a perfect miss is true to herself. She doesn’t try to be
someone she’s not but instead embraces her unique qualities and celebrates her
individuality.
