Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has set a new world record by holding a marathon press conference that lasted almost 15 hours, surpassing the previous record set by Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to AFP, the press event began at 10 a.m. on Saturday and concluded just after midnight, clocking in at 14 hours and 54 minutes.
During this extended session, Muizzu addressed a wide range of questions from journalists and even took brief breaks for prayers. The event was organized in recognition of World Press Freedom Day, highlighting the importance of media in society. Muizzu emphasized the value of factual, balanced, and impartial reporting.
In addition to fielding questions from about two dozen attending journalists, Muizzu also responded to queries submitted by the general public. The event included meal arrangements for the attending media.
Muizzu, who assumed the presidency in 2023, has overseen improvements in media freedom in the Maldives. According to the 2025 Reporters Without Borders index, the country has risen to 104th place among 180 nations, up two spots from the previous year.
Notably, the Maldives has a history of setting unique global records. In 2009, then-President Mohamed Nasheed held the world’s first underwater cabinet meeting to draw attention to the threats of climate change. As one of the nations most vulnerable to rising sea levels, the Maldives continues to be on the front lines of the climate crisis.