Cancellation of the 2021 Blue Planet Prize Award Ceremony and Related Events

Every year, we look forward to inviting the year's Blue Planet Prize winners and celebrating their outstanding achievements, together with guests from many quarters.

Since last year, we have been closely monitoring the situation on Covid-19 in the hope of improvement in the circumstances.

However, after much consideration, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year's Blue Planet Prize award ceremony and related events scheduled for October 5-9, 2021.

Naturally though, an award certificate, a trophy, and 50 million yen in prize money will be presented to each of the 2021 winners.

Canceling the award ceremony and related events two years in a row was a tough call to make.

As the ceremony and events are incredibly important to the Asahi Glass Foundation, it is always our privilege to invite and celebrate the achievements of the winners from around the world, but we need to prioritize the health and safety of the winners, distinguished guests, and those who attend the events.

Although widespread vaccine coverage is rapidly reducing new infections, illnesses, and deaths from Covid-19, we felt this was still the best way to proceed.

We are disappointed that we are unable to hold these events for the winners and guests, but we know it is the right decision based on the latest information we have.

Online commemorative lectures and a special website about the 2021 Blue Planet Prize winners will be open to the public by the end of this year.
We are also planning to welcome the 2020 and 2021 Prize winners to the 2022 award ceremony as special guests.

In the meantime, thank you for your patience and understanding again this year, and we look forward to seeing you next year at the 2022 award ceremony and related events.