The world's first president to go under the sea... gives an interview

Palau's president is the first world leader to conduct a live interview while completely submerged.

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. is chatting with "mermaid" - Estonian swimmer Merle Liivand - Photo: OFFICE OF THE PALAU PRESIDENT

According to AFP, this is part of an activity to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the ocean. Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr recently conducted the above interview with "Mermaid", with the "participation" of a giant mussel.

The Palau presidential office said the interview was conducted using LiFi Talking Mask technology, which uses light to transmit sound underwater. The activity was funded by entrepreneur Gunter Pauli.

"Palau has successfully hosted the world's first live underwater conversation with a head of state," Mr Whipps' office said in a statement.

According to the Blue Economy Group - owned by Mr. Pauli, the "Mermaid" chatting with the President is Estonian swimmer Merle Liivand.

However, the audio transmission is not stable, which is said to be because LiFi technology is still in development.

The Republic of Palau - an island nation with a population of 17,600 - consists of 340 islands located east of the Philippines and is extremely vulnerable to rising sea levels.

Mr Whipps admitted his country could lose several atolls in the coming years.

"Palauans have always believed in the lasting benefits of the ocean. It's in our DNA," the president said at a press conference after the dive.

In 2009, then-Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed caused a stir when he held an underwater cabinet meeting with officials wearing scuba gear.

Former Seychelles President Danny Faure conducted an interview in a submarine in the Indian Ocean in 2019.

Filial piety

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/first-president-in-the-gioi-xuong-duoi-bien-tra-loi-phong-van-20251009143821325.htm