In 2006, ING and four other companies took the lead in participating in Canal Pride, now Pride Amsterdam. ING led the way and has been a proud partner since 2006. The boat is organised by LGBTQI+ colleagues with full conceptual freedom. In 2015, the marriage equality boat won the best execution award. ING continues to connect with the LGBTQI+ community. We do this through the global Pride campaign, sponsorship to bring World Pride to Amsterdam and our contribution to Workplace Pride, of which ING is a founding member. ING sponsors the Amsterdam Dinner, the fundraising event to work towards a world without AIDS. ING continues to work on being an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, heard and valued.

A few examples: ING has LGBTQI+ networks in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Germany, Spain, Australia, Philippines, US and UK. The first network was established in 2003. Since 2017, colleagues can apply for partner leave for biological or non-biological parents, including rainbow families. ING was a trendsetter in this area. Colleagues can get adoption leave if they become foster parents. In 2018, ING signed the UN LGBTQI+ Code of Conduct for Business. ING signed the international programme #WorkingPositively against discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS in the workplace in 2023. Transition leave was introduced in the 2023 CBA. ING Netherlands followed Australia, Belgium and America in launching the 2024 Transition Guidelines. The guidelines provide tangible guidance and support to colleagues who are in transition or thinking about starting one. It also supports managers and colleagues to ensure a smooth process.

This year's boat will connect colleagues of around 20 nationalities from all international Rainbow Lion networks. To reinforce the message that Pride is a protest, we have powerful statements in line with the Pride campaign. ING's boat is known for its entertainment value with spot-on choreography. The concept and choreography are based on solidarity and connection to create a wave of LOVE in colours. And of course, we invite the audience to participate.