AGC Sponsoring International Year of Glass 2022

January, 2022

Tokyo, January 6, 2022—AGC Inc.(AGC), a world-leading manufacturer of glass, chemicals and high-tech materials, has become a sponsor of the International Year of Glass 2022, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly. As a Diamond Sponsor, AGC will donate a total of approximately 13 million yen in operating funds to support the various events being held around the world as part of the International Year of Glass 2022.

The United Nations has declared an "International Year" every year since 1959 to disseminate and promote specific fields of international endeavor and their contributions to global society. The year 2022 will mark 200 years since the invention of the Fresnel lens used in lighthouses, etc. and 100 years since the discovery of Egyptian glass in Tutankhamun's tomb. More than 1,600 letters of endorsement were received from around the world to make this memorable year a year to honor glass, a material that has walked hand in hand with the development of human civilization. As a result, in May 2021, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution for the International Year of Glass 2022. Glass is the first man-made material to be selected for an International Year.

The objectives of the International Year of Glass 2022 are as follows:

To honor and celebrate the past, present, and future of glass materials and the glass industry

To work on various events around the world related to glass chemistry, art, and culture

To contribute to sustainable development in all regions of the world through glass research in industry and academia, and through initiatives at glass-related museums and art galleries

To create a framework for international collaboration to support endeavors in glass science and engineering for young people who will lead the next generation, gender equality, and the requirements of developing countries

As a leading glass company, AGC will not only sponsor the International Year of Glass 2022, but will also promote the appeal of glass to the world by hosting various events.

■International organization of the International Year of Glass 2022

The International Year of Glass 2022 comprises 18 Regional Organizations (ROs).

International Committee URL：https://iyog2022.org/

■Major events planned for the International Year of Glass 2022

Japan Opening Ceremony (on-line) January 28 (Japan)

International Opening Ceremony February 10 - 11 (Switzerland)

US Glass Day April 5 - 7 (United States)

International High-Tech Industrial Congress April 11 - 15 (China)

International Year of Glass 2022 Illustration &Movie Contest June 1 - August 31(tentative) (Japan)

International Congress on Glass July 3 - 8 (Germany)

Venice Glass Week September 4 - 12 (Italy)

International Closing Ceremony December 8 - 9 (Japan)