Acosta, dressed by K luk CGdT, has secured her position as one of 12 finalists in the 59th Miss World pageant, which will be held at Gallagher Estates in Midrand on December 12.

Aware that the Top Model 2008 award winner, Miss Russia, Kseniya Sukhinova, went on to be crowned Miss World, Acosta said:

“If I win the Miss World title, I want to make people aware of how much technology is affecting our climate.

“I want to discover a method to make the world a better place by alleviating global warming.”

Acosta recently obtained a university degree in engineering and her ambition is to become a successful businesswoman.

Second place went to Miss Vietnam Tran Thi Huong Giang with Miss Martinique Ingrid Litte in third spot.

Contestants showed off magical golden dresses created by South African designers Kluk CGdT, Marc & Michael, Thula Sindi, RJKay, Haroun Hansrot, JJ Schoeman and Diamond Face Couture.

Miss Mexico joined other fast- track winners Miss Gibraltar, who won Miss World Beach Beauty; joint winners of the Talent competition Miss Sierra Leone and Miss Canada, and Miss Japan who was named Miss World Sportswoman.

They all have guaranteed places in the final round of the Miss World competition.

Winners of the Miss World Fashion Designer competition were also announced at the event held on Saturday.

Mariatu Kargbo, representing Sierra Leone, (fast-track joint winner Talent competition) won first place, with Miss South Africa Tatum Keshwar, dressed by Kluk CGdt, taking second position.

Third place was won by Jamaica which was represented by contestant Kerrie Baylis.