The Summer Olympics in Paris are set to commence with a grand ceremony on the Seine River, welcoming over a hundred heads of state, government officials, royalty, and US First Lady Jill Biden. However, the absence of Russian officials due to the ongoing war in Ukraine casts a shadow over the event.
Despite the ban on Russia’s participation, a small group of neutral athletes will represent the country. Ukraine’s attendance remains uncertain, with President Volodymyr Zelensky yet to confirm his presence. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US First Lady Jill Biden are among the notable attendees.
European leaders expected to grace the ceremony include German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Italian President Sergio Mattarella, Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb, and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Israeli President Isaac Herzog will attend under heavy protection amidst protests over Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.
Gulf states have kept their plans confidential, while Chinese President Xi Jinping will be represented by Vice President Han Zheng. Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has delegated his wife Rosangela to represent the nation. Argentine leader Javier Milei and Colombian President Gustavo Petro have confirmed their attendance.
African leaders Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon and Faustin Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic will be present. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will attend, while South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa will not. Niger will be represented by sports ministry official Abdoulaye Mohamadou, marking the first anniversary of a coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.
Royalty in attendance includes Britain’s Princess Anne and Prince Albert of Monaco, both IOC members. King Felipe VI of Spain, King Frederik X and Queen Mary of Denmark, and Princess Benedikte of Denmark are also expected.
Despite ongoing conflicts in various parts of the world, the Olympics provide an opportunity for diplomatic engagement. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is expected to call for a ceasefire, while French President Emmanuel Macron has urged an “Olympic truce.”
