Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu recently found himself in the headlines after organizing a 15-hour press conference, which created a new world record. It started at 10 AM on Saturday and ran till well into the night with only occasional pauses for prayers. Muizzu broke the former 14-hour record of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 2019.
This was not only a personal record for Muizzu but also emphasized the increasing significance of press freedom in the Maldives.
New World Record in Press Interaction
Muizzu’s press conference established a new world record. He responded to questions by journalists all day long. His office said the timing was meant to commemorate World Press Freedom Day. This highlighted the importance of the media to democracy.
The timing was intentional, as it aligned with his government’s efforts at transparency and the Maldives better rating in world press freedom indices.
Benchmark in Press Freedom
During the conference, Muizzu reasserted his commitment to a free press. He emphasized its critical role in democracy. He referred to the Maldives’ improvement in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, where the nation rose to 104th place. The improvement demonstrates Muizzu’s devotion to freedom of expression and transparency.
His administration seeks to build an atmosphere in which journalists can work without the fear of censorship.
Maldives’ World Positioning in Freedom of the Press
The Maldives, under Muizzu, has taken great leaps in freedom of the press. Such is particularly admirable considering the nation’s stormy past in politics. Muizzu’s favor towards the press is a departure from past governments, which were deemed to suppress media freedom.
His record-breaking press conference is a new dawn where the press can be critical of the government.
Symbol of Climate Consciousness and National Development
Muizzu’s record-breaking press conference is not his sole success. His predecessor Mohamed Nasheed became a global news headline in 2009 by conducting the world’s first underwater cabinet meeting. The purpose was to create awareness about increasing sea levels.
Likewise, Muizzu’s press conference brings international focus to the nation’s changing political scene and increasing influence.
Step Towards Global Recognition
Muizzu’s record-breaking event calls to mind his commitment to openness and brings international focus on the Maldives. His presidency is a turning point, with the nation becoming recognized as both an innovative and climate-aware country.
As the world observes, Muizzu’s leadership continues to transform the political tone of the nation, pushing press freedom and raising its global profile.
