The Maldives became the world's first developing country to stop using hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) thanks to Miruza Mohamed. How did Miruza lead such victory 10 years ahead of the planned schedule? Let’s get inspired. Female leadership to groundbreaking transition Miruza serves as the Deputy Director General of the Environment Management and Conservation Department, Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy of the Maldives where she takes lead in the implementation of the Montreal Protocol. Her achievements have been undeniably impressive. Miruza did not wait until 2030. In 2020, Maldives became the first developing country to completely ban ozone-depleting and climate-changing substances. The journey towards this groundbreaking transition required significant efforts. As an import-dependent country, the phaseout plan for HCFCs was deemed disruptive. Any changes made in the cooling sector directly affects business operations, practices, and investment plans from fishery to tourism sectors, as well as people’s livelihood. Miruza’s leadership style however was a game changer. She did not make any demands. Instead, she listened to the challenges the stakeholders foresaw and walked them through step by step with technical and financial support during the transition. The rationale and long-term benefits were communicated and understood. She then started gaining buy-ins.
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