Sydney WorldPride2023 names Deloitte as first major sponsor
The organisers of Sydney WorldPride2023 in have unveiled Deloitte as the event’s first major sponsor, with the professional services firm to create a digital platform for those unable to attend.
Professional services firm Deloitte has signed on as the first major sponsor of WorldPride2023, which will take place in Sydney in its eighth iteration. The sponsorship extends an existing relationship between the organisations, with Deloitte having provided a range of pro-bono support on the winning WorldPride bid. The multi-year partnership also includes the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras through to 2024.
“Sydney WorldPride are proud to introduce Deloitte as our major sponsor,” said Kate Wickett, who was recently appointed as the event’s permanent CEO. “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.”
To be held over February and March in 2023 under the theme “gather, dream, amplify”, WorldPride2023 marks the event’s first appearance in the Asia Pacific since its inauguration in Rome at the start of the century. Billed as the city’s biggest event since the Sydney Olympics, pre-Covid estimates expected more than one million visitors to the 17-day festival, with an economic footprint exceeding $650 million.
In addition to those in attendance, it is hoped that more than 50 million people worldwide – including those those who can’t participate due to discrimination – will access the event via a digital platform to be created by Deloitte Digital. “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,” said Deloitte partner Robbie Robertson.
Along with a planned Pride March across the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a 10,000-pus closing party on Bondi Beach, and the 45th anniversary of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, the festival will also play host to the three-day 2023 Human Rights Conference, which will focus on LGBTIQ+ human rights across the region and hopes to shine a light on issues impacting First Nations LGBTIQ+ and Sistergirl and Brotherboy communities.
“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, the Asia Pacific and globe,” said Pip Dexter, who leads Deloitte’s national Human Capital practice. “We’ll also be coordinating a 300-person volunteer group of Deloitte employees to be part of the events across the next few years.”
