UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has encountered a rather unceremonious beginning to his involvement in the G20 summit, nearly faceplanted as he approached a group of business leaders in Johannesburg, South Africa. The incident, which was captured on video, highlights the awkward start to his participation in the global economic forum, which is taking place in South Africa for the first time as an African presidential nation.
The gathering of leaders representing the world’s largest economies is currently taking place in Johannesburg on November 22-23. South Africa assumed the rotating presidency of the group in December 2024, becoming the first African nation to lead the forum. Starmer’s mishap has drawn attention to the challenges of navigating high-profile international events, especially when dealing with the pressures of global diplomacy and media scrutiny.
Starmer had a similar awkward moment earlier this month after arriving in Brazil for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 30). As the UK prime minister disembarked from his aircraft, he stumbled on the metal staircase, almost tumbling down onto the tarmac. However, Starmer managed to regain his balance that time as well. This series of incidents has sparked discussions about the physical and mental demands placed on political leaders during international engagements.