BEI Weekly Update - 15th May 2026

Dear Members and Friends,

With the fevered domestic political debate continuing, some may have missed the detail of the references to diplomacy and development in the King’s Speech. There was a general reference to trade policy, although legislation on the “reset” with the EU is of course a prominent feature. The UK’s forthcoming G20 Presidency is described as an opportunity to pursue development objectives, with a mention of climate, poverty reduction, conflict reduction and prevention of violence against women and girls, all areas in which BEI members are actively engaged around the world. As former National Security Adviser Lord Ricketts has pointed out this week, a country’s weight abroad is affected by its political stability at home, so we should hope for clarity of some kind sooner rather than later.

This week’s calendar included two very different sessions. First, on Tuesday we held a webinar on preventing tech-facilitated gender-based violence. The session explored what effective prevention looks like in practice and how the media can help change behaviours to challenge harmful social norms. Many thanks to our speakers: Gemma Ferguson, Principal Consultant at Social Development Direct; Storm Lawrence, Senior Gender and Social Inclusion Advisor at BBC Media Action, and Alexandra De Filippo, TFGBV CoP Lead at the Sexual Violence Research Initiative, for their valuable insights.

On Thursday, we were joined by a delegation from India who were in London for a DBT-organised mission on green and digital design for the built environment. The session provided our members with the opportunity to discuss opportunities for deeper collaboration between the UK and India across the built environment sector. We also heard from colleagues at the DBT on the recently concluded UK-India CETA and the significant opportunities it is expected to unlock for businesses in both countries, including in public opinion. Many thanks to those who joined us and to the DBT-India and London teams and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Green Building Council for bringing the delegation to BEI.

Next week will be particularly busy here, as global education leaders gather in London for the Education World Forum (EWF). To make the most of the many senior visitors to London, we will again host a series of country-focused sessions around the conference, exploring how to best deliver education globally.

See the details and registration links below for next week’s activities on the margins of EWF:  

• Tuesday 19th May, 09:30-11:30 BST - Roundtable with the Minister of National Education, Preschool, and Sports, Morocco

• Wednesday 20th May, 10:30-12:30 BST - Roundtable with the Department of Education (DepEd), Philippines

• Wednesday 20th May, 15:00-17:00 BST - Roundtable with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO) Secretariat

• Thursday 21st May, 09:30-11:30 BST - Roundtable with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines

In other meetings and activities next week, we will also be exploring opportunities in Central Asia and wider cooperation with Oman.

If you are interested in our EWF-related activities, take a look at the above links and our wider events page. To enquire about attending sessions, please email events@britishexpertise.org. I’m afraid that space will be limited to one representative per organisation for most of these sessions, but we will ensure that outcomes and opportunities are shared with all members.

Of course, next week will also see the international development Global Partnerships Conference taking place in London.  I look forward to seeing a number of members there on Tuesday and Wednesday as we at BEI work with members to ensure that we make a persuasive contribution to the debate on how to support international development in the new world encapsulated by the “four shifts” set out by Baroness Chapman. After the conference, we will be engaging closely with members to take stock and take the debate forward.

Finally, I’m pleased to report that through our partnership with the EdTech Global, BEI members have exclusive access to 25% off tickets and 5% off sponsorship opportunities for the EdTechX Summit on 16 June. The summit is Europe’s leading gathering of influential stakeholders shaping the future of the education, training and work landscape. Apply for the EdTechX Awards before 22 May and that ticket discount rises to 50%. Email Sofia Pennacchietti via sp@britishexpertise.org for details.

As I sign off for this week, the sun is shining through my window, though the weather – like our politics – seems rather changeable. Whatever else happens, I hope you enjoy a restful weekend before whatever comes across your desks next week

David Landsman

Executive Chair  

British Expertise International

Event Recordings and Resources:

(Member access only)‍

• 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:

• Monday 18th May 2026 13:00 – 15:30 BST: Oman-UK Roundtable on Private Sector & Investment Partnerships - Together with BEI’s sister organisation, The D Group, join us on Monday 18th May for a roundtable with senior representatives from Oman, including the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Finance, the National Centre for Statistics and Information, Estidamah (National Programme for Fiscal Sustainability and Financial Sector Development), and Sultan Qaboos University.
• Tuesday 19th May 2026 09:30 – 11:30 BST: Roundtable with the Minister of National Education, Preschool, and Sports, Morocco - As part of British Expertise International’s activities surrounding the Education World Forum (EWF), join us on 19th May for an education roundtable with H.E. Mohamed Saad Berrada, Minister of National Education, Preschool, and Sports, in Morocco. The session will focus on strengthening school leadership in the pre-school and primary education sectors and on pedagogical support throughout the education journey.
• Wednesday 20th May 2026 10:30 – 12:30 BST: Roundtable with the Department of Education (DepEd), Philippines - As part of British Expertise International’s activities surrounding the Education World Forum (EWF), join us on Wednesday 20th May for a roundtable with the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines. We are delighted to welcome the delegation, led by Dr. Carmela Oracion, Undersecretary for Learning Systems.
• Wednesday 20th May 2026 15:00 – 17:00 BST: Roundtable with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO) Secretariat - As part of British Expertise International’s activities surrounding the Education World Forum (EWF), join us on Wednesday 20th May for a roundtable discussion with the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation (SEAMEO) Secretariat, hosted in partnership with NOCN Group and Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge).
• Wednesday 20th May 2026 17:00 – 20:00 BST: UK-Central Asia Education Networking Reception - BEI and Pearson are delighted to host an informal networking reception with senior representatives from education organisations, the UK government, and delegations from Central Asia visiting the UK for the Education World Forum. The evening will include brief opening remarks from government and business leaders.
• Thursday 21st May 2026 09:30 – 11:30 BST: Roundtable with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines - As part of British Expertise International’s activities surrounding the Education World Forum (EWF), join us on Thursday 21st May for a roundtable with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines. We are delighted to welcome the delegation from CHED, led by Shirley Agrupis, Chairperson, and Dr. Christine Nabor Ferrer, International Affairs Services Director.
• Tuesday 2nd June 2026 10:30 – 11:30 BST: FCDO Development Director Series: Ethiopia - Join us as we host Amanda McLoughlin, Development Director in Ethiopia for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), who will present FCDO’s development strategy, programming and pipeline of opportunities in Ethiopia.
• Wednesday 3rd June 2026 10:00 – 11:30 BST: Strengthening Equitable and Inclusive Health - This webinar will explore best practices for strengthening global health systems. With a focus on equitable and inclusive health, the session will highlight gender and disability inclusion, with a deep dive on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SHRH) programming within international development programming.
• Wednesday 10th June 2026 09:00 – 10:00 BST: Procurement Opportunities with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia - This webinar with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia, will provide UK companies with insights into DFAT's procurement processes. This session will be an opportunity for UK organisations to learn about and access opportunities to work with DFAT, and to provide a platform for DFAT to meet with UK private-sector and NGO delivery partners.
• Wednesday 10th June 2026 14:00 – 15:00 BST: Rwanda Market Opportunity Overview - Join us for a virtual market opportunity overview session on Rwanda. We will be joined by speakers from the British Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda, the British High Commission in Rwanda and the Rwanda Development Board.
• 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.
• 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 - Preceding the Inter-American Development Bank's (IDB) visit to the UK in early June, join us for this virtual session exploring the IDB's work as a principle source of financing, technical expertise and knowledge for sustainable and inclusive development. Our panel of speakers from 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:

• 22nd May 2026: London EdTechX Awards Application - The EdTechX Awards celebrate the companies making a substantial impact on the transformation of education, training and work. Applications are welcome from companies of all sizes and growth stages - from early-stage innovators through to mature, profitable businesses. The Awards present a powerful opportunity to gain recognition in front of an audience of investors as well as potential partners and customers. Applying for the Awards before the deadline unlocks a 50% discount on your Summit ticket. Email Sofia Pennacchietti via sp@britishexpertise.org for details.
• 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, 50% discount on Summit attendance if you submit a complete EdTechX Awards application before 22 May 2026, 5% discount on Summit sponsorship package. Email Sofia Pennacchietti via sp@britishexpertise.org for details.
• ‍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: 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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