BEI Weekly Update - 12th June 2026

Dear Members and Friends,
Over the past few days, we have been finalising the programme for our “Meet the Ambassador” series, with events running from Friday 26th June to Friday 3rd July, and most sessions on Monday 29th June, Thursday 2nd July and Friday 3rd July.  As we finalise arrangements, we will provide further details very soon. We have an impressive number of Ambassadors and High Commissioners joining us, almost all in person – we’re very grateful to them for finding time in their busy Leadership Week schedules. We are asking BEI members to complete this Expression of Interest form and indicate which sessions may be of interest.  This is not the formal registration: once dates and times are confirmed, we will ask you to register via our website as usual.

What makes these events valuable is the combination of strategic political and economic overviews from our Heads of Mission on the ground with focused information on FCDO priorities and opportunities for British business. Do try to attend the sessions on the countries that interest you now, or might be on your list in the future, for something special that AI still can’t provide…. If you have any additional questions about our Meet the Ambassador Series, please get in touch with Sofia Pennacchietti at sp@britishexpertise.org or me.

This week, we held three webinars. The first was for our international development Heads of Business group with Gareth Nugent, Chief Commercial Officer and Carina Casey, Deputy Director, Commercial Programmes, at FCDO.  The session provided an update on the current procurement landscape and priorities, including special arrangements for SMEs. Many thanks to the team at FCDO for taking the time to join us.

We had two further webinars on Wednesday. The first was with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia, which provided UK companies with insights into DFAT's procurement processes and was a valuable opportunity for UK organisations to learn about and access opportunities to work with DFAT. Many thanks to Seeta Frahm-Jensen and Clarinda MacFarlane from DFAT for joining us.

Later in the day, we had a Market Opportunity Overview focused on Rwanda, with speakers from the British High Commission Rwanda, the Rwanda Development Board, and the British Chamber of Commerce Rwanda. The webinar provided an overview and explored how UK organisations can engage with high-potential sectors in Rwanda, including education, infrastructure, energy and environmental services.

Next week, we will mark London EdTech Week with a panel event on Thursday 18 June on opportunities for Africa-UK EdTech partnerships to create new pathways for youth skills and employment. This event will be held in partnership with the Africa EdTech Exchange (AEE).  If you are interested in joining, click here.

Alongside this event, BEI is excited to partner with EdTechX to offer BEI members exclusive discounts and opportunities throughout London EdTech Week 2026. There is still time to get involved in London EdTech Week and to register for the EdTechX Summit. To access the benefits available to you as a BEI member, see the details at this link.

Finally, as London Climate Action Week is quickly approaching, here’s a summary of our programme:

• Is Climate Adaptation the New Common Ground? - Panel debate on the global policy shift from climate mitigation to climate adaptation - Monday 22 June, 14:00 arrival for 14:30-16:00 session, followed by networking.
• Not Losing Ground: Climate Action in an Increasingly Fragile World - Panel discussion on how to sustain climate ambitions in the world’s most fragile settings - Tuesday 23 June, 13:00 arrival for 13:30-15:00 panel.
• Scaling AI-led Innovation in Climate Resilience - A short film premiere, panel and networking reception with BEI member Resurgence - Wednesday 24 June, 18:30 arrival for 19:00-20:30 session and 20:30-22:00 networking.
• Water Risk & Finance: Bridging the Gap - The launch of a new BEI paper - Wednesday 24 June 13:30 arrival for 14:00-15:30, followed by networking.
• Inclusivity in Early Warning Systems (EWS) - A webinar exploring inclusivity in EWS and challenges faced in ensuring access to EWS amidst changing climate stressors - Thursday 25 June, 11:00-12:30 BST.

I hope to see many members over the coming few weeks as our programme gathers pace. In the meantime, warm wishes for a restful weekend,

David Landsman

Executive Chair  

British Expertise International

Event Recordings and Resources:

(Member access only)‍

• Rwanda Market Opportunity Overview
• Procurement Opportunities with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia
• Strengthening Equitable and Inclusive Health
• FCDO Development Director Series: Ethiopia
• Preventing Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV)
• FCDO Development Director Series: Nigeria
• Transforming India's Water Sector Non-Revenue Water Trends & Growth Opportunities
• Towards COP17: Urban and Rural Synergies for Water Resilience in Mongolia
• Skills for the Future
• FCDO Development Director Series: Sudan
• Opportunities for Partnership and Innovation in African Tech Sectors

Upcoming BEI Events:

• Wednesday 17th June 2026 18:30 – 20:30 BST: Strategy International Summer Reception - Join British Expertise International and the organisations across Strategy International for our annual summer reception. BEI members should register through this page, or otherwise email events@britishexpertise.org.
• Thursday 18 June 2026 14:00 – 17:00 BST: Africa – UK EdTech Partnerships: Pathways for Youth Skills and Employment - Join us for a panel event during London EdTech Week exploring the opportunities for Africa-UK EdTech partnerships to enable new pathways for youth skills and employment. This event, in partnership with the Africa EdTech Exchange (AEE), aims to foster collaboration between Africa and UK in the EdTech space.
• Monday 22nd June 2026 14:00 – 17:00 BST: Is Climate Adaptation the New Common Ground? - Join us, IMechE and a panel of climate experts – spanning climate science, flood risk modelling, engineering standards, international delivery and organisational resilience – during LCAW for a debate unpacking the global policy shift from climate mitigation to climate adaptation and exploring its ramifications.
• Tuesday 23rd June 2026 09:30 – 12:00 BST: International Education Strategy (IES) Briefing - We are delighted to be joined by representatives from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) the Department for Education (DfE) and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for an in-person discussion about the newly published International Education Strategy.
• Tuesday 23rd June 2026 13:00 – 13:30 BST: Not Losing Ground: Climate Action in an Increasingly Fragile World - As part of our activities surrounding London Climate Action Week, join us for a discussion on how to sustain climate ambitions in the world’s most fragile settings. This session will bring together leading experts to explore practical, conflict‑sensitive and locally led approaches to protecting climate progress where it is most at risk.
• Wednesday 24th June 2026 13:30 – 16:00 BST: Water Risk & Finance: Bridging the Gap - Join us during London Climate Action Week as we launch our “Water Risk & Finance: Bridging the Gap” paper, with our panel of experts sharing key findings and exploring how investors can better understand, price and act on water-related risks while unlocking new opportunities for resilient investment.
• Wednesday 24th June 2026 18:30 – 22:00 BST: Scaling AI-led Innovation in Climate Resilience: Global Film Premiere of AZEEMA & Networking Evening - Join us and BEI members Resurgence for an exclusive film premiere, panel discussion and drinks reception with climate leaders and social impact investors during London Climate Action Week, as we explore the role of AI-led innovation and impact in scaling practical, locally rooted solutions to climate resilience challenges in vulnerable communities.
• Thursday 25th June 2026 11:00 – 12:30 BST: Inclusivity in Early Warning Systems - Bringing together practitioners and researchers working at the forefront of climate resilience, this virtual panel will explore how inclusive, community-led and intersectional approaches to early warning systems can better protect those most at risk from escalating climate hazards.
• Friday 26th June - Friday 3rd July 2026: Meet the Ambassador Series -  Save the date for British Expertise International's annual "Meet the Ambassador" Series, which will see sessions taking place between the dates of Friday 26th June to Friday 3rd July. Our “Meet the Ambassador” series is an important part of our collaboration with HMG, and allows BEI members the opportunity to hear direct from UK Heads of Mission on the political and economic context affecting British companies and organisations working in country, as well as on where the best opportunities for “British expertise” can be found.
• Wednesday 1st July 2026 18:00 – 20:30 BST: Building Organisational Resilience in a Changing World - Join us for short networking reception followed by a roundtable dinner, where we will hear from Sir Philip Barton. Sir Philip Barton is Chair of Strategy International's Advisory Board. He is a Senior Adviser at SC Strategy and a Visiting Professor in Public Policy at the LSE.  He also on the Advisory Council of the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
• Tuesday 7th July 2026 14:00 – 15:00 BST: FCDO Development Director Series: Ukraine - Join us as we host Andrew Ockenden, Development Director in Ukraine for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), who will present FCDO’s development strategy, programming and pipeline of opportunities in Ukraine.
• Wednesday 8th July 2026 09:30 – 11:00 BST: Infrastructure Deep Dive - Republic of Korea - Join us for a virtual Market Opportunity Overview on the Republic of Korea to explore opportunities for UK organisations looking to work in the region. This session will highlight available support for UK private sector delivery partners and offer a platform for discussions of success, challenges and market access barriers.
• Date and Time TBC: Working with the Inter-American Development Bank - Join us for a virtual webinar with the Inter-American Development Bank. Our panel of speakers will explore the IDB's work as a principle source of financing, technical expertise and knowledge for sustainable and inclusive development. The IDB will share an update on its strategy, alongside information about how it works with suppliers and guidance on navigating its procurement process.

Register for an upcoming event →

External Events and Resources:

• 15th - 19th June 2026: London EdTech Week - London EdTech Week (LETW) is a partner-led programme of events focused on education, training and work innovation. Over five days, it provides a platform for innovation, collaboration and networking for 1,500+ global attendees. Whether you’re looking to host a side event, meet potential partners, or stay at the forefront of global EdTech trends, LETW is the place to be. BEI member benefit: 5% discount to list your event in the official London EdTech Week programme. Email Sofia Pennacchietti via sp@britishexpertise.org for details.
• 16th June 2026: London EdTechX Summit - The EdTechX Summit is a highly curated, one-day event that brings together an elite community of 300+ senior decision-makers working in the education and skills industry. Designed as a quality-first, content-rich experience, the Summit fosters informed debate, meaningful insight-sharing and an environment purpose-built for forging high-value strategic connections. BEI member benefits: 25% discount on Summit attendance and a 5% discount on Summit sponsorship package. Email Sofia Pennacchietti via sp@britishexpertise.org for details.
• 17th June 2026: Expression of Interest for UK-Indonesia Rail Forum - Building on the momentum from the UK-Indonesia Rail Roundtable in London (February 2026), the UK- Indonesia Rail Forum 2026 will bring together senior stakeholders from government and industry to translate dialogue into practical collaboration. The Rail Forum will take place in Jakarta between 28th - 30th July. Please submit an Expression of Interest to Joel Morro, Government Partnerships Project Lead, DBT London at Joel.Morro@businessandtrade.gov.uk and
  Efrizal Saputra, Head of Infrastructure, DBT Jakarta at Efrizal.Saputra@fcdo.gov.uk by 17th June.
• 17th - 25th June 2026: UK-India Roadshow - Interest in India is growing rapidly but many businesses are still asking how to turn that opportunity into real, sustainable growth. Focused on tariff reductions, regulatory change, sector‑specific opportunities and practical export support, the Roadshow places practical opportunity at the centre of every session. Join the UK-India Roadshow 2026 in your closest city: Leeds, Belfast, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Birmingham or Manchester.
• 23rd June 2026 13:00–14:00 BST: EBRD Energy Sector Tender Opportunities - This webinar will provide insights into the EBRD’s Energy project pipeline, highlight active projects across regions, and outline how organisations can engage with forthcoming opportunities. Participants will also be guided through key procurement resources, including EBRD procurement policies and rules and standard procurement documents.
• 23rd June 2026 14:00–15:30 BST: Demonstrating Credible Action on Climate Risk - A Climate Sense and JBA Consulting virtual event for London Climate Action Week 2026. This session explores how organisations can demonstrate robust, defensible progress on climate adaptation and resilience amid uncertainty, rising expectations and increasing engagement with insurers, financiers, regulators and system partners. Designed for sustainability and risk professionals seeking to ensure their decisions stand up to external scrutiny. Speakers include Prof. (Dr) Anusha Shah (Plan for Earth), Nick Pyatt (Climate Sense), Ben Rabb (JBA Consulting) and Jonathan Kassian (Flood Re). Free to attend, register here.
• Tuesday 30th June 2026 18:00 – 20:30 BST: Future Leaders Group Reception - The Future Leaders Group are pleased to welcome Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, CEO of Ploughshare Innovations and Chair of Refuge, who will share her personal reflections on leadership and her career journey. Hetti’s organisation has also sponsored a recent Future Leaders Group graduate, and we look forward to hearing her insights and experiences. If you would like to join us, please register by 19 June here.
• C4C Global Awards - The C4C Global Awards have been created to spotlight and champion real-world solutions driving sustainable transformation across business and the business events industry. The awards recognise pioneering technologies, impactful events and trailblazing leaders who are redefining how the industry is designed, delivered and experienced. C4C is seeking scalable, innovative solutions with the potential to create meaningful and lasting impact across the entire value chain.
• Cambridge Education Legacy Webinar Series - A special legacy webinar series sharing key lessons from 45 years of supporting education systems worldwide, with a look ahead to the future of the global education sector.
• AI for Social Impact Webcast Series from Accenture - A series of one-hour sessions, open to all organisations in the social impact sector, including non-profits and social enterprises. Each webcast will focus on a key theme within AI, designed to be relevant and applicable to social impact organisations of a variety of sizes, geographies, and current levels of AI proficiency.
• City & Guilds: Essential Digital Skills: Employer Perceptions Survey

News & Articles:

• Article: London Stansted Airport: Manchester Airports Group's (MAG) Contributions to the Overseas Territories Trade & Investment Dialogue - British Expertise International
• Press Release: Minister of Investment of Jordan, H.E. Tareq Abughazaleh and UK industry leaders meet for talks on trade and investment opportunities - British Expertise International
• Article: North London Heat and Power Project: WSP – EcoPark Contributions to the Overseas Territories Trade & Investment Dialogue - British Expertise International
• News: Beyond the deal: How the GCC-UK trade deal opens new era of economic partnership - Arab News
• Press Release: UK Government and industry partners host senior Omani delegation for talks on private‑sector investment partnerships ahead of the UK-GCC FTA announcement
• Article: Blue-Green Infrastructure in Urban Areas: UKCEH Contributions to the Overseas Territories Trade & Investment Dialogue by British Expertise International
• Article: Innovative Solutions to Water Challenges: HR Wallingford's Contributions to the Overseas Territories Trade & Investment Dialogue by British Expertise International
• Article: Ocean Economy Satellite Accounts: Water Research Centre’s (WRc) Contributions to the Overseas Territories Trade & Investment Dialogue by British Expertise International
• Article: Delivering a Better World: AECOM's Contributions to the Overseas Territories Trade & Investment Dialogue by British Expertise International
• Press Release: British Expertise International (BEI) to receive board seat and support secretariat for Infrastructure Exports UK (IE:UK) by British Expertise International
• Showcase: Gender Equity in Action – Building a Fairer Future by British Expertise International and its members
• Article: Integrated Masterplanning: Arup’s Contributions to the Overseas Territories Trade and Investment Dialogue by British Expertise International
• Press Release: BEI and FCDO Co-Convene Trade and Investment Study Visit with a Ministerial Delegation from the Overseas Territories (OT’s) by British Expertise International
• Article: Leading with Science®: Tetra Tech’s Contributions to the Overseas Territories Trade & Investment Dialogue by British Expertise International
• Article: British Expertise International (BEI) hosts a ministerial delegation from the Ministry of Roads and Highways (MoRH), Ghana by British Expertise International
• Article: Middle East High-Risk Insurance by Bellwood Prestbury
• News: John Pelton MBE Joins British Expertise International (BEI) as Senior Adviser by British Expertise International
• News: Strategy International Group’s Advisory Board Member: The Lord Forbes of Newcastle CBE by British Expertise International
• Press Release: Minister Gabriel Oddone travels to the United Kingdom to strengthen economic and financial ties by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Uruguay
• Press Release: British Expertise International – Helping UK Education Service Providers to Forge Global Partnerships by British Expertise International
• Yearly review: Strategy International 2025 Yearbook by Strategy International
• Article: 2025 Christmas Message from British Expertise International
• Report: From Strategy to Delivery: What New Zealand Can Learn from the UK Infrastructure System from Infrastructure New Zealand
• Written evidence: Future of UK aid and development assistance from British Expertise International
• Communique: UK and Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council 2025: communiqué from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
• Article: Infrastructure as Legacy: UK Perspectives on Strategic Delivery and Innovation by Sasha Barnes and Sofia Pennacchietti
• Press Release: Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council Business Engagement Session from British Expertise International
• Article: Why Water is Everyone’s Business: A UK Perspective on Global Water Challenges by Evie Ramsay
• Article: Ukraine’s Recovery – Mobilising Private Sector Engagement by Sasha Barnes
• Article: Global Energy Landscapes: Key Takeaways and Insights by Sofia Pennacchietti
• Press Release: Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, South Africa, Mr Dean Macpherson at British Expertise International (BEI) from British Expertise International
• Article: Shaping the Future of the Higher Education Sector by Evie Ramsay
• Article: With FCDO slashing budgets, where will UK NGOs turn for funding? from DevEx
• Report: Water Resilience - Unlocking local and global benefits through collaboration (Second Edition) by British Expertise International & Water Resilience Working Group
• Report: Systems Strengthening: The UK Education providers’ contribution to the global education systems by British Expertise International & Education Working Group
• Report: Beyond Boundaries: The Role of UK-Based Organisations in Advancing Global Gender Equality and Social Inclusion by British Expertise International and its members delivering GES

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