Deloitte announced as key sponsor of WorldPride 2023 – MuMbrella

Deloitte will support WorldPride2023 in Sydney as the first major sponsor, helping to bring the event to the rest of the world from the Southern Hemisphere, for the first time in the event’s history.

The sponsorship is a multi-year arrangement that extends beyond WorldPride 2023 to include Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras from 2021-24.

Deloitte Digital Partner and WorldPride Engagement Partner, Robbie Robertson said Deloitte is proud of its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion agenda, leading the way through conversations, initiatives, understanding and acknowledgement of key issues across the Asia Pacific region and the globe, aligned to WorldPride.

“We’re so excited to announce that we will be the first major sponsor of WorldPride 2023. It’s an incredible opportunity to welcome the world to Australia, for a giant celebration of diversity and inclusion in the wake of the pandemic,” Mr Robertson said.

“Sydney WorldPride 2023 will be the global event that unites LGBTQI+ communities and Prides from across the world and brings them to Asia Pacific. As a major sponsor, we will have the unique opportunity to listen and learn from some of the most isolated LGBTQI+ communities in the world, celebrate and demonstrate our leadership into the future. WorldPride is about diversity in all its forms and the coming together of the LGBTQI+ community with culturally diverse communities across the world. We have the opportunity to be part of unified conversations around diversity and the development of a more inclusive society for all.”

Deloitte has been on a journey with the WorldPride team for the past two years, supporting the bid which was led by the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. Deloitte played a significant role in the bid’s success by providing pro-bono commercial, digital, design and project management support.

Deloitte is continuing to provide support for Sydney WorldPride’s and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras’ operations and impact. Deloitte will be working with WorldPride in a variety of areas, including digital and the role of technology in LGBTQI+ inclusion.

Deloitte Digital will create a platform to brings WorldPride to those who can’t be there due to discrimination or fear of coming out. The platform will be shared globally with the aim of reaching 56 million people across the globe, allowing them to watch, engage and celebrate virtually.

Alongside Deloitte’s project capability, Deloitte was selected as a key partner given their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) agenda and focus on LGBTQI+ inclusion.

Sydney WorldPride CEO, Kate Wickett said Deloitte is internationally recognised as a leader in creating diverse and inclusive workplaces.

“Sydney WorldPride are proud to introduce Deloitte as our major sponsor. Their values and ethics align with our community and we are fortunate to be working alongside their talented, creative and committed team to design a world-class digital platform that connects, educates and empowers LGBTQI+ communities and their allies across the globe,” Ms Wickett said.

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras CEO Albert Kruger said Deloitte and Mardi Gras have a shared value system based on striving for equality and celebrating diversity.

“We’re very excited to welcome them as a major sponsor for the festival and look forward to working closely with them over the coming years to continue the work of celebrating our vibrant LGBTQI+ communities with the world,” Mr Kruger said.

Deloitte’s new National DEI Lead Partner Pip Dexter said at Deloitte we believe, when individuals can truly be their authentic selves, they can work more purposefully.

“Our DEI strategy and actions are focused on putting this belief at the forefront of all our conversations – with our people, our clients and the community, and we are continuously improving our policies, frameworks and initiatives to create an inclusive and safe environment for everyone to be their best,” Ms Dexter said.

“Being part of the WorldPride journey over the coming years, including the 2023 Human Rights Conference, will allow us to help shape these events and create a legacy of inclusion across Australia, Asia Pacific and the globe. We’ll also be coordinating a 300-person volunteer group of Deloitte employees to be part of the events across the next few years.”

Deloitte will work with Sydney WorldPride and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras over the coming years on key events from 2021 – 2024. Event and project work are already underway in preparation for Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in 2022.