BEI Weekly Update - 19th June 2026

Dear Members and Friends,
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It was great to see BEI members and friends among the guests at our Strategy International summer reception on Wednesday night. Members present included some whose areas of work, port construction or education, for example, would have been broadly recognisable to visitors to One Birdcage Walk in its early days, along with those active in newer fields such as climate adaptation, AI and gender equality. Everything changes, some things more than others perhaps, but it was good to see plenty of British expertise still residing in Birdcage Walk.    

One thing which is clearly changing at pace is the model of development financing. The ultimate destination may still be unclear but the trend towards private rather than public financing with the different disciplines that entails, as well as greater local control and accountability, are indisputable and irreversible. The role of the DFIs in this new world will be even greater than before, so it was good to hear on Monday from Leslie Maasdorp, CEO of British International Investment, how BII’s new strategy is taking a forward-looking approach to making the most of the new opportunities, as well as working closely with European and other counterparts to ensure effective development outcomes. I’m grateful to Leslie for taking the time and look forward to staying in touch with BII as the strategy is translated into action.    

At a moment of profound change in international development driven largely by external factors, it’s important to have a clear sense of what success looks like. There are doubtless as many views as there are stakeholders, within and beyond the sector, and I’m keen for this newsletter to provide a forum for members to share their views. This week Fola Komolafe, CEO of World Vision UK, argues that children are the best measure of whether power has really shifted.  

On Thursday this week we were excited to host a panel discussion during London EdTech Week exploring the opportunities for Africa – UK EdTech partnerships in the context of equipping learners with the skills needed for jobs and creating pathways for employment. This event was held in partnership with the Africa EdTech Exchange (AEE), and we are grateful to all of our panellists for their contributions: Ernest Gavor, Founder of AEE; Dr. Ona Newton, CEO and Founder of Tobams Group; and Harpreet Banger, Strategic Partnerships and Regional Manager at Rosetta Stone.

Next week brings a busy programme of events at BEI during London Climate Action Week. Here is a list of the sessions we will be hosting and the links to register via our website:  

• 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. If you are interested in joining this event, please email ana@strategyinternational.co.uk to enquire, as spaces are limited.

• The launch of a new BEI paper, Water Risk & Finance: Bridging the Gap – Wednesday 24 June, 13:30 arrival for 14:00-15:30 panel, followed by networking.

• 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.

• 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 25th, 11:00-12:30 BST.

Our “Meet the Ambassador” series starts next week on Friday 26 June and continues until Monday 6 July. The following events are already confirmed and open for registration, with one or two more to be confirmed very soon: watch this space.

Friday 26th June

• 08:45 – 10:00: Meet the Ambassdor: Indonesia

Monday 29th June

• 10:30 – 11:30: Meet the Ambassador: Kazakhstan
• 11:30 – 13:00: Meet the Ambassador: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan
• 13:30 – 15:00: Meet the Ambassador: Sudan and South Sudan

Thursday 2nd July

• 13:00 – 14:00: Meet the Ambassador: Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean  
• 17:00 - 18:00: Meet the Ambassador: Egypt

Friday 3rd July

• 11:00 – 12:00: Meet the Ambassador: Sierra Leone
• 13:30 – 14:30: Meet the Ambassador: Angola
• Time TBC: Meet the Ambassador: Republic of Korea (Registration coming soon)

Monday 6th July:

• Time TBC: Meet the Ambassador: Jordan (Registration coming soon)

If you have previously completed this Expression of Interest form, you will also still need to register via our website as usual once the event is there. If you have any issues, please contact events@britishexpertise.org.  

Finally, we still have a few spaces left for members at our briefing next week on the recently-launched International Education Strategy (IES), led by colleagues Sarah Chidgey, Head of International Education at DBT; Daley Middleton, Head of Trade at DfE; and Calum Hebron from FCDO. This will be a roundtable session bringing together government policy experts involved in the development of the IES and industry delivery partners. Please email Amalie, ac@britishexpertise.org, if you are interested in joining.

With warm wishes for what promises to be a very warm weekend ahead,

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:

• 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 08:45 – 10:00 BST: Meet the Ambassador - Indonesia - Join us for our Meet the Ambassador Series, as we welcome His Majesty’s Ambassador to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, Dominic Jermey, on Friday 26th June from 09:00 – 10:00 BST.
• Monday 29th June 10:30 – 11:30 BST: Meet the Ambassador: Kazakhstan -  Join us for our Meet the Ambassador Series, as we welcome His Majesty’s Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Sally Axworthy MBE, on Monday 29th June from 10:30 – 11:30 BST.
• Monday 29th June 11:30 – 13:00 BST: Meet the Ambassador: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan - Join us for our Meet the Ambassador Series, as we welcome His Majesty’s Ambassadors to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on Monday 29th June from 11:30 – 13:00 BST.
• Monday 29th June 13:30 – 15:00 BST: Meet the Ambassador: Sudan and South Sudan - Join us for our Meet the Ambassador Series, as we welcome the Head of British Office Sudan and UK Special Representative to Sudan, Richard Crowder, and His Majesty’s Ambassador to South Sudan, David Ashley, on Monday 29th June.
• Wednesday 1st July 2026 09:00 – 10:00 BST: DFAT Tender Requirements and Bid Writing - The second in our series of webinars with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Australia, will provide UK companies with insights into DFAT's tender requirements and information about bid writing.
• 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.
• Thursday 2nd July 13:00 – 14:00 BST: Meet the Ambassador: Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean - Join us for our Meet the Ambassador Series, as we welcome His Majesty’s Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Simon Mustard, on Thursday 2nd July.
• Thursday 2nd July 17:00 – 18:00 BST: Meet the Ambassador: Egypt - Join us for our Meet the Ambassador Series, as we welcome His Majesty’s Ambassador to Egypt, Mark Bryson-Richardson MBE, on Thursday 2nd July.
• Friday 3rd July 11:00 – 12:00 BST: Meet the Ambassador: Sierra Leone - Join us for our Meet the Ambassador Series, as we welcome His Majesty’s High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Josephine Gauld LVO, on Friday 3rd July.
• Friday 3rd July 13:30 – 14:30 BST: Meet the Ambassador: Angola -  Join us for our Meet the Ambassador Series, as we welcome His Majesty’s Ambassador to Angola and São Tomé e Príncipe (non-resident), Bharat Joshi, on Friday 3rd July from 13:30 – 14:30 BST.
• Monday 6th July (Time TBC): Meet the Ambassador: Jordan - Join us for our Meet the Ambassador Series, as we welcome His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Philip Hall OBE.
• 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.
• Tuesday 7th July 2026 11:15 – 13:30 BST: Roundtable with HM Trade Commissioner to Asia Pacific - Join us for a roundtable with HM Trade Commissioner to Asia Pacific, Martin Kent. This event will provide members with the opportunity to hear from Martin on current trade in the region.
• 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:

• 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.
• 28th - 30th July: UK- Indonesia Rail Forum 2026 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 email 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.
• 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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