Dear Members and Friends,
For us at British Expertise International, the focus over the past few days has been very much on London Climate Action Week. Our contribution took the form of three thought-provoking discussions on systems change, involving altogether a good mix of BEI members and stakeholders.
Our first event was a roundtable with Rebecca Fabrizi, FCDO Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Envoy. As Rebecca comes to the end of her term in this position, she was able to share with members her deep experience and perspectives on the SIDS Hub’s evolving agenda ahead of a strategic refresh in 2026. Participants in the round table represented a diverse spectrum of expertise, including climate risk modelling, disaster risk management, public sector capacity building, just transition policies, and more specialised themes such as invasive species management. The discussion highlighted how UK organisations are actively supporting SIDS on climate resilience, reflecting a dynamic mix of practical action, policy engagement and strategic collaboration. It was great to hear direct from Rebecca and also to meet Tim Hemmings, who will be taking up the position of SIDS Envoy in late July. This event was an excellent example of the kind of open information sharing that facilitates effective collaboration between FCDO and “British expertise” that I see as exactly the role BEI aspires to providing. I’m very grateful to Rebecca and Tim, and to all our members, for making it possible.
Our second event, in partnership with our members PIN UK, focused on the long-term sustainability of Early Warning Systems (EWS) and the broader architecture of Disaster Risk Management (DRM). Participants addressed complex structural questions, from ensuring that systems outlast donor cycles to embedding adaptation at subnational levels. There were some thoughtful reflections on what distinguishes genuinely "locally-led" initiatives from ones which are merely implemented at the local level; and also on how to design DRM in order to build not only resilience but also economic strength, especially in fragile economies. Key elements included engaging local market actors, integrating social inclusion factors such as gender and disability, as well as leveraging digital innovation. Telecoms providers and AI tools were also discussed as vital allies in evolving EWS solutions. The session closed with rich examples of best practice.
Finally, we convened a panel on blended finance as a tool for systemic transformation, with perspectives from Climate Sense, Satarla, Palladium and Ricardo. The discussion explored when and how climate adaptation and nature-based solutions can most effectively be integrated into the infrastructure project lifecycle. The conversation also examined how to embed TPT-aligned transition planning and disclosure frameworks such as TCFD and TNFD into infrastructure planning in a way that avoids siloed compliance. Other topics included how to identify unmet needs in clients’ sectors, cross-sector partnerships to bridge the gaps, and how new funding models such as impact investing and blended finance can unlock sustainable growth. The panel also spotlighted the role of technology and data in enhancing resilience, capturing new markets, and aligning engineering and finance more closely with climate realities.
With a strategic focus on resilience, inclusion, innovation and long-term sustainability, all three events underlined the imperative of systemic change as essential to shaping effective, just and and climate-resilient futures.
One of the highlights’ of BEI’s year is our ‘Meet the Ambassador’ series. This year we have an excellent line up of British Ambassadors and High Commissioners to coincide with FCDO’s Leadership Conference. We start next Monday with four very exciting sessions. From 09:30 – 11:00 we will welcome Dr Richard Montgomery CMG, High Commissioner to Nigeria and Harriet Thompson, High Commissioner to Ghana; and from 11:00 – 12:00 we will be joined by Darren Welch, Ambassador to Ethiopia. In the afternoon, we look forward to being joined by Fiona Blyth MBE, Ambassador to Mongolia, Katherine Smitton, Ambassador to the Republic of Tajikistan, and Stephen Conlon Ambassador to Turkmenistan for a panel from 14:00 – 15:30, then from 16:00 – 17:30, we will be joined by John Gallagher, Ambassador to Armenia and Fergus Auld, Ambassador to Azerbaijan.
The series continues next Friday from 10:00 – 11:00, with an opportunity to meet James Downer, Ambassador to Algeria. Looking forward, we have two more sessions on Monday 7th July: first at 10:00 – 11:00 with Antony Phillipson CMG, High Commissioner to South Africa; and then from 12:00 – 13:15, Harjinder Kang, Deputy High Commissioner for Western India (based in Mumbai) and His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for South Asia. Our Meet the Ambassador Series will continue later in the year, when we will be inviting more Ambassadors and High Commissioners to join us, either for in-person conversations at our new premises in Birdcage Walk, or virtually.
Back to next week, I’m delighted that we will be continuing our support for the FCDO SME Advisory Forum by providing another opportunity for members of the forum to engage with the wider SME community. The aim of this programme is both to ensure that members of the Advisory Forum are briefed on the views of the SME supplier community and to enable them to provide feedback to the group after the Advisory Forum meetings. The next meeting will take place next Thursday online from 14:00 – 15:30 when we will also be joined by Dr Beverley Jandziol MCIPS, FCDO Commercial Director; and Elaine Woodbine (MCIPS CS), Commercial Lead - Market Creation. This meeting is open to non-members, so please feel free to pass the invitation on to friends and colleagues.
As we look forward to another busy week, in Grafton Street and virtually, I wish you a restful weekend.
David Landsman
Executive Chairman
British Expertise International
Recordings of recent past events:
- 19th June 2025: Navigating Risks and Opportunities in Ukraine
- 10th June 2025: International Finance Corporation (IFC): Working Upstream
- 10th June 2025: Public-Private Partnerships in the Philippines
- 5th June 2025: Intersection of Climate Change and Social Security
- 29th May 2025: Deep Dive Into Infrastructure Opportunities in Kazakhstan
- 26th June 2025: Blended Finance as a Catalyst for Systems Change
Key events coming up include the following:
- 30th June 2025 09:30 – 11:00 BST: Meet the Ambassador: Nigeria & Ghana - Join us in person as we welcome Dr. Richard Montgomery CMG, British High Commissioner to Nigeria & Harriet Thompson, British High Commissioner to Ghana.
- 30th June 2025 11:00 – 12:00 BST: Meet the Ambassador: Ethiopia - Join us in person as we welcome Darren Welch, British Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
- 30th June 2025 14:00 – 15:30 BST: Meet the Ambassador: Mongolia, Tajikistan & Turkmenistan - Join us in person as we welcome His Majesty’s Ambassadors to Mongolia, Tajikistan & Turkmenistan.
- 30th June 2025 16:00 – 17:30 BST: Meet the Ambassador: Armenia & Azerbaijan - Join us in person as we welcome John Gallagher, British Ambassador to Armenia & Fergus Auld, British Ambassador to Azerbaijan.
- 2nd July 2025 09:30 – 11:30 BST: Education Working Group Meeting and Workshop - Join us for a special meeting of the Education Working Group to discuss how the UK education sector can respond to recent shocks to the global education system. We will consult with members on the best possible outcomes from this discussion, which could include a one-pager to share with key stakeholders ahead of a seminar in the autumn.
- 3rd July 2025 14:00 – 15:30 BST: SME wider community engagement with the FCDO SME Advisory Forum - BEI is delighted to continue supporting the members of FCDO’s SME Advisory Forum to engage with the wider SME community. Our aim is both to ensure that members of the Advisory Forum are briefed on the full range of views of the SME supplier community and to enable them to provide feedback on the discussions after their meetings.
- 4th July 2025 10:00 – 11:00 BST: Meet the Ambassador: Algeria - Join us as we welcome James Downer, British Ambassador to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria on Friday 4th July.
- 7th July 2025 10:00 – 11:00 BST: Meet the Ambassador: South Africa - Join us as we welcome Antony Phillipson CMG, British High Commissioner to the Republic of South Africa.
- 7th July 2025 12:00 – 13:15 BST: Meet the Ambassador: India - As part of our Meet the Ambassador series, we are delighted to welcome Harjinder Kang, Deputy High Commissioner for Western India & His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for South Asia.
- 8th July 2025 10:30 – 14:00 BST: Rethinking Water Resilience: Strategies for a Changing World - The BEI Water Resilience Working Group is launching a new edition of its report, "Water Resilience – Unlocking Local and Global Benefits Through Collaboration." First published a year ago, this updated edition reflects the significant shifts in the geopolitical and funding landscape over the past 12 months. We’ve re-examined how policymakers and delivery partners can navigate and strengthen Water Resilience in an evolving world.
- 14th July 2025 10:30 – 19:00 BST: ADB Roadshow: Applying British Solutions for Asian Growth and Development - Join us at Arup’s offices (80 Charlotte Street, London W1T 4QS) as British Expertise International host a senior delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as part of the 2025 ADB UK Roadshow programme. The UK Roadshow aims to connect the ADB with the latest UK expertise, technologies and solutions that can drive Asia’s growth and development.
- 15th July 2025 11:00 – 12:30 BST: Meet UKEF – Africa & LATAC - This virtual event will offer UK organisations a valuable opportunity to explore UKEF's diverse offerings, engage directly with UKEF stakeholders and gain key insights on pipelines in Africa and LATAC.
- 22nd July 2025 11:00 – 12:30 BST: Meet the Trade Envoy: Ben Coleman MP, UK Trade Envoy to Morocco - Join us for an in-depth discussion with the UK Trade Envoy to Morocco, Ben Coleman MP. This roundtable event will provide the Trade Envoy with the opportunity to engage with UK companies active or with relevant experience in Morocco, and provide a platform for UK organisations to discuss opportunities and barriers to entry.
External Events and Reports:
- 2nd July 2025 09:00 – 13:00 - The Caspian Policy Centre will host its Third London Conference on Trans-Caspian Connectivity at Arundel House, from 09:00 to 13:00 at Arundel House, Arundel Street, London WC2R3DX. Keynote Speaker: Lord Alderdice. UK Trade Envoy to Azerbaijan and Central Asia. Overviews from Regional Ambassadors. Experts from governments, EBRD, business and academia will discuss investment in sustainable infrastructure and other developments in the Trans-Caspian Corridor. Contact: tali@caspianpolicy.org.
- 7th July 2025 18:00 – 20:00 BST: The Future Leaders Group is holding its Summer Reception on Monday 7 July, from 6:00–8:00pm at 23 Grafton Street. If you are interested in development for succession planning, why not join us ? It’s a great opportunity to connect with alumni, faculty, and candidates for the upcoming September 2025 cohort. To attend, please contact Jennifer Fraser at jennifer@futureleadersgroup.uk. You can also explore more about the programme on the FLG website or LinkedIn page.
- 25th – 26th August 2025: World Women Entrepreneurs Forum (WWEF), Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - The World Women Entrepreneurs Forum (WWEF) emerges in response to this urgent need—to not only celebrate the progress made, but to challenge the systems that limit it. Held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, under the theme Inspire, Impact, Invest, the Forum will serve as a global platform to uplift women entrepreneurs by fostering connection, capacity, and capital. It will bring together leaders, changemakers, investors, and advocates to co-create an ecosystem where womenled businesses thrive and transform economies.
- 3rd – 5th September 2025: KazBuild 2025, Kazakhstan: Stand booking is now open for international exhibitors at KazBuild exhibition in Kazakhstan - the largest international building and interiors exhibition in Kazakhstan, annually welcoming over 7,000 specialist trade visitors to the show. KazBuild will be held 3-5 September 2025 in Almaty, the biggest city of Kazakhstan. Held since 1994, the exhibition showcases the latest products, services, technologies, and projects available on the market, and provides a key platform for governmental and building industry professionals to exchange experiences, establish cooperation and share the latest industry developments. Please contact Mrs. Tatyana Borodikhina by email: tatyana.borodikhina@exhibitions-conferences.com to learn more about how KazBuild can help to establish your business in Kazakhstan.
- 27th September – 2nd October 2025 - Save the date for the Aramco STEM Racing World Finals 2025, set to take place in Singapore. This landmark event will be the 20th edition of the globally recognized science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programme’s World Finals and the first under its new branding, following the transition from its previous name, F1 in Schools. Developed to introduce students to STEM subjects through the creation of a miniature F1 car, STEM RACING (Formerly F1 in Schools) is an educational project designed for teachers, informed by engineers, and endorsed by F1.
- 28th – 31st October 2025: AME Trade - 15th edition of Africa PPP in Windhoek, Namibia - Africa PPP 2025 is the longest running infrastructure finance, investment, and partnership summit, focused on increasing private sector participation in infrastructure development through viable PPPs and innovative financing mechanisms, for a sustainable economic growth. The event is organized with the support of Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board and the Ministry of Works and Transport of Namibia at the prestigious Hilton Conference Centre in Windhoek, Namibia. Africa PPP includes two-days Conference, one day masterclass on Project Preparation and one day Touristic and/or Technical Tours.
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