Melbourne and Perth are among new cities that will participate in Lloyd’s global Dive In festival from September 26-28.

The annual event aims to promote diversity and inclusion in the industry.

The theme for this year’s event is “diversity dividend”. Other cities joining the festival include Beijing, Leeds and Mumbai.

Since its inception in 2015 the festival has attracted more corporate support and expanded worldwide, with Sydney a first-time participant last year.

Marsh, Willis Towers Watson, XL Catlin and Aon will again support the festival and will be joined by newcomers Chubb and insurance broker Miller this year.

“The Dive In festival is a catalyst for the global insurance industry that inspires collaboration around the key issues of talent and innovation,” Aon UK CEO and chairman of the Inclusion@Lloyd’s group Dominic Christian said.

“Bold, brave initiatives like this are needed to drive the agenda for inclusive working cultures and customer-centricity, to keep the insurance sector focused on staying globally competitive and relevant.”