In a headline-making feat, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives set a new world record for the longest press conference by a sitting world leader, speaking for an astonishing 14 hours and 54 minutes. He began at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday and continued well past midnight into Sunday. The event, held on World Press Freedom Day, featured President Muizzu actively answering questions from journalists and the public, pausing only briefly for prayer.
Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had held the record after speaking for 14 hours in 2019 during a similar Q&A format. Before that, Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko claimed the title with a seven-hour conference. Now, with this new milestone, President Muizzu not only made headlines but also added another chapter to the Maldives’ history of record-setting leadership, such as the famous underwater cabinet meeting in 2009 that highlighted climate change.
Economic Reforms Impacting the Tourism Sector
Throughout the nearly 15-hour exchange, President Muizzu addressed a wide array of topics. Most notably, he discussed recent changes in the nation’s economic framework that directly affect the travel industry. For instance, he highlighted the new Foreign Exchange Act, introduced in January 2025, which requires tourism-related foreign earnings to go through official banking channels. According to President Muizzu, this move has already brought USD 214 million into the formal system this year. As a result, it has helped stabilize foreign reserves and improve access to foreign currency for travelers.
Maldives 2.0: A Vision for Digital Transformation
In addition, President Muizzu introduced “Maldives 2.0,” a digital transformation initiative designed to modernize public services and reduce corruption. These are steps that aim to streamline experiences for both locals and international visitors. Moreover, he explained that this initiative includes partnerships with countries like Estonia to build a stronger digital infrastructure. From healthcare improvements to digitalized governance, the plan reflects how the Maldives intends to better serve residents and guests alike.
Ultimately, with its turquoise waters and coral islands continuing to attract global attention, the Maldives is not just evolving as a luxury destination but also strengthening its position as a leading destination for travelers seeking both natural beauty and innovative progress.
