Ishtar TV / Ishtartv.com – Special Report

PUERTO RICO / BAGHDAD – Samantha Slewa, a young Iraqi Chaldean woman based in Canada, is preparing to represent Iraq at the 75th edition of the Miss Universe competition in 2026, which is set to take place in Puerto Rico, bringing together contestants from around the world.

According to official information published on the competition's platforms and her contestant profile, Slewa, 29, has been appointed to represent Iraq under the title Miss Universe Iraq 2026, bringing Iraq back to the international pageant stage following its intermittent participation in previous years.

Academic and Professional Background

Based in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada, Samantha Slewa combines academic achievement, advanced technology expertise and community engagement.

According to her official profile on the Miss Universe Canada platform:

• Education: She holds a bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering from Toronto Metropolitan University.

• Career: She works as a Senior Cybersecurity Consultant.

• Cultural background and languages: She takes pride in her Iraqi Chaldean heritage and speaks both Chaldean and English.

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Her Journey in Beauty Pageants

The 2026 competition is not Slewa's first experience on the international pageant stage. She previously reached the national finals of Miss Universe Canada and represented Canada at the international Miss Cosmo competition in 2025.

These experiences have provided her with valuable exposure to international representation and cultural engagement ahead of her selection to represent her country of origin, Iraq, in the 2026 Miss Universe competition.

Her Message and Goals

Through her participation in Miss Universe, Slewa aims to highlight women's empowerment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), challenge prevailing stereotypes about women working in advanced technical and engineering fields, and showcase Iraq's rich civilisational and cultural diversity, including the heritage of its historic communities.

Her participation also offers an opportunity to draw international attention to the Iraqi Chaldean identity and the country's diverse cultural heritage.

Appointment announcement date: October 19, 2026.