In light of recent media reports that some heads of state/government may skip the G20 Summit in India next week, sources have shed light on the longstanding trend of some heads of state occasionally missing such global gatherings. It has been emphasised that there exist diverse reasons behind leaders’ non-participation in these summits, and the circumstances vary from year to year.
According to these sources, a review of the attendance records at the G20 Summits since their inception in 2008 reveals a recurring pattern. Out of the 16 physical G20 summits held between 2008 and 2021, there have been six instances when one country was represented below the Head of State or Head of Government level, occurring in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2017. Furthermore, there were five instances when two countries were represented below this level, occurring in 2010, 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019. The sources stress that these trends are not necessarily indicative of any issues with the host country.
Moreover, the sources highlighted that even during the 2021 G20 Summit in Italy, where there were no significant geopolitical or health-related impediments to leaders’ attendance, six countries were represented below the Head of State or Head of Government level. This situation underscores the multifaceted demands placed on leaders in the modern world, making it challenging for every leader to attend every global summit.
A notable point of reference was the 2020 G20 Summit hosted virtually by Saudi Arabia. It was underscored that such variations in attendance levels have occurred over the years, with leaders occasionally opting not to participate or sending representatives.
As the world prepares for the 2023 G20 Summit in New Delhi, India, it is expected to witness historic levels of participation.