Maldives President Breaks World Record with 15-Hour Press Conference - Bio Points News

Maldives President Sets World Record with 15-Hour Press Conference

In a historic event marking World Press Freedom Day, Maldivian President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed shattered the previous world record for the longest press conference held by a head of state, speaking for nearly 15 consecutive hours. The marathon session, which began at 10 a.m. on Saturday, lasted an impressive 14 hours and 54 minutes, concluding just before midnight. The achievement was officially announced by the Maldivian government in a statement issued late Saturday evening.

According to the statement from the President’s Office, the 46-year-old leader answered hundreds of questions from both local and international journalists, taking only brief pauses for prayer throughout the day. The extended session was held at the National Convention Centre in Malé, with about two dozen journalists in attendance. The event was organized to commemorate World Press Freedom Day 2025, reflecting the government’s renewed commitment to transparency, media engagement, and the protection of press rights.

Breaking the Previous Record

Until now, the record for the world’s longest press conference by a sitting president was held by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who spoke for 14 hours straight in October 2019. Zelensky’s marathon event had itself surpassed the earlier record of over 7 hours set by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.

However, with President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed’s latest feat, the Maldives has entered the record books once again — this time not for environmental activism or global climate awareness, but for championing press freedom and open dialogue.

The Maldivian government proudly highlighted this achievement as a symbol of its democratic values and openness to scrutiny. The President’s Office stated:

“The government of Maldives is proud to set a new global benchmark for press engagement, reflecting its belief in the essential role of factual, balanced, and impartial reporting in building a fair and transparent society.”

Celebrating Press Freedom Day

The timing of the event was intentional, held in conjunction with World Press Freedom Day on May 3. Throughout the session, President Mohamed acknowledged the essential role the media plays in fostering accountable governance and informed societies. He praised the local press corps for their resilience and contributions to national discourse, especially during periods of political transition.

In his opening remarks, the President said:

“A free press is the bedrock of a free society. It ensures that the voices of the people are heard, and those in power are held accountable. On this important day, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding these freedoms in the Maldives.”

Answering the Tough Questions

During the nearly 15-hour conference, journalists grilled the President on a wide range of domestic and international issues, including:

• The state of press freedom in the Maldives

• Climate change policies and preparations against rising sea levels

• Economic recovery plans post-COVID-19

• Measures to improve governance and anti-corruption initiatives

• Foreign policy dynamics with neighboring India, China, and Sri Lanka

• The nation’s ambitious plans to promote eco-tourism and sustainable development

The President also addressed questions submitted remotely by members of the public, making the event one of the most inclusive media interactions in Maldivian history.

Rise in World Press Freedom Index

The Maldives’ enhanced global standing was another highlight of the press conference. The President proudly noted that the country had climbed two places in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, now ranking 104th out of 180 countries. This progress, though modest, was celebrated as evidence of the government’s sustained efforts to improve conditions for journalists and promote independent reporting.

The World Press Freedom Index, compiled annually by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), assesses the level of freedom available to journalists in 180 nations based on factors such as media independence, legal framework, journalist safety, and pluralism.

President Mohamed vowed to continue working toward better protections for journalists and to ensure that the Maldives moves further up the rankings in the coming years.

A Nation of Firsts

This isn’t the first time the Maldives has made international headlines for unique governmental records. In 2009, former President Mohamed Nasheed held the world’s first underwater cabinet meeting, aiming to raise awareness about climate change and the existential threat posed to low-lying island nations like the Maldives by rising sea levels.

Wearing scuba gear and seated around an underwater table in the Indian Ocean, President Nasheed and his ministers signed a document urging global leaders to reduce carbon emissions. The event was broadcast globally and became a powerful symbol of environmental advocacy.

The Maldives, an archipelago of 1,192 tiny coral islands scattered along the equator, has long been on the frontlines of the battle against global warming. Scientists have warned that without drastic international action, much of the country could be submerged within decades due to rising sea levels.

Setting an Example in South Asia

The record-breaking press conference not only sets a global precedent but also positions the Maldives as a beacon of press freedom in a region often criticized for restricting media rights. Across South Asia, several governments have faced accusations of press censorship, media manipulation, and intimidation of journalists.

By holding an open-ended press session and responding transparently to difficult questions, the Maldivian government sent a strong message about its commitment to democratic principles. International media analysts have praised the move as a progressive step that other nations in the region might consider emulating.

A Refreshing Approach to Governance

Political analysts believe the press conference is part of President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed’s broader strategy to enhance government transparency, restore public trust, and promote civic engagement following his election in 2023.

Since taking office, the President has launched a series of public forums, town hall meetings, and digital outreach programs designed to bridge the gap between policymakers and ordinary citizens. His administration has also introduced reforms aimed at strengthening judicial independence, curbing corruption, and promoting environmental sustainability.

The Maldives’ new world record for the longest press conference by a sitting president is more than just a novelty — it’s a symbolic declaration of the country’s commitment to democratic values, press freedom, and transparent governance. On a day dedicated to celebrating media rights, President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed’s bold move sends a powerful message about the importance of open dialogue and accountable leadership.

As the Maldives continues to navigate the challenges of climate change, economic recovery, and regional diplomacy, initiatives like this marathon press conference reinforce the government’s intent to lead by example, both within the region and on the global stage.