On April 10, 2025, over 70 changemakers gathered at Accenture’s Uptown Bonifacio office in Manila for the Manila Economic Empowerment Forum—a landmark event focused on advancing LGBTIQ+ inclusion through economic empowerment across Southeast Asia.

Organised by Workplace Pride in partnership with Accenture Philippines, the forum brought together a dynamic mix of business leaders, civil society advocates, diplomats, and community voices. The day was rooted in the Free to Be Me global initiative and marked a powerful step toward localizing this movement in the Southeast Asian context.

A Platform for Evidence, Empathy, and Action

The forum was more than just a conference—it was a space for real talk, strategic co-creation, and authentic connection.

Key Highlights:

• Data-backed insights from Open for Business highlighted the economic cost of exclusion, urging stakeholders to speak the “language of business” when advocating for inclusion.
• Personal storytelling from local community members grounded discussions in lived experience, underscoring the human stakes of exclusion and the transformative potential of inclusive workplaces.
• Breakout sessions explored critical topics like localizing DEI in Asia, navigating advocacy in hostile environments, inclusive procurement, and building culturally relevant toolkits.

• Corporate leaders like ING, Shell, and Accenture shared practical ways to embed DEI across operations, from hiring to supply chains.
• Diplomatic missions and civil society organisations discussed how to build sustainable partnerships that prioritise local leadership and long-term impact.
  

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Why This Matters

Inclusion is not just a checkbox—it is a driver of innovation, resilience, and economic progress. The Manila Forum reminded us that building a truly inclusive future requires more than good intentions. It demands collaboration across sectors, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to systemic change.

The event closed with a powerful call to action: move beyond performative allyship. Invest in real partnerships. Make inclusion part of your business DNA.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether you are in HR, DEI, CSR, or community advocacy, you have a role to play in advancing LGBTIQ+ economic empowerment. Explore the Civil Society Business Toolkit, connect with local partners, and bring these conversations into your workplace.

🔗 Join the movement at workplacepride.org
💡 Partner with us to co-create inclusive strategies that work where you are.

Let us move from awareness to action—together.