President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has praised journalists worldwide for their tenacity and courage in consistently delivering accurate and reliable reporting. His remarks, shared on his official X account to mark World Press Freedom Day 2025, highlighted the essential role of the press in safeguarding democracy, human dignity, and justice.
The President reaffirmed the Maldives’ firm commitment to maintaining a free, independent, and responsible media. In this regard, he underscored the importance of ethical journalism and the dissemination of trustworthy information, stressing that press freedom is vital to transparency, accountability, and the right to free expression.
This year’s theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”, reflects both the potential of AI and the enduring importance of media independence. President Dr Muizzu emphasised that AI, when governed transparently, can enhance journalism by automating data analysis, improving content delivery, and combating misinformation.
He also noted the Maldives’ active collaboration with national and international partners, including the Media Freedom Coalition and various NGOs, to promote media literacy, raise awareness of AI-generated content, and encourage ethical AI use in journalism. The Maldives continues to advocate for robust legal protections for press freedom while addressing digital manipulation and fostering inclusive dialogue on media and technology.
As the world navigates the challenges and opportunities of the AI era, President Dr Muizzu asserted to remain focused on our shared obligation to protect and promote press freedom, as it is an essential pillar of democracy.