Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa
South Africa’s president will not be attending the COP26 talks because local elections are taking place on November 1, the day the World Leaders Summit kicks off. Sure, South Africa has an “insufficient” pledge. And yes, Japan’s prime minister is coming the day after national elections on his first international trip. Still, Ramaphosa’s reason for not going is understandable and perhaps the most legit reason for not attending on this list. President Ramaphosa, good luck! From the sounds of it, the African National Congress party might need some.
