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Dear Members and Friends,
As I write this, a number of largely local elections are taking place in some parts of the UK. As a non-partisan organisation, it’s not for us to comment on domestic politics. But taking the current political debate alongside our programme – this week alone covering among others (and in alphabetical order) climate, cyber, disability and education as well as several continents – prompts two thoughts.
First, just how much domestic policy – from transport to planning and from migration to national security (all addressed by our sister organisation D Group, which focuses on the UK) – is today intimately intertwined with the international. Our international relationships, alliances and commitments increasingly frame our domestic policies: they can support national objectives, but also create tension with domestic priorities. There’s no algorithm to resolve these tensions: politics, like strategy, is about choice. To those with competing bids for attention (and funds), political trade-offs between unrelated sectors and priorities often appear perverse. That’s because the expertise which gets you to a certain point in any enterprise isn’t enough by itself to engage with the broader strategic choices which have to be made by political leaders who are accountable to taxpayers and citizens. Just as we can no longer ignore the international dimension of domestic decisions, so the days in which those dealing with abroad could rise above the domestic are also long gone.
Secondly, even when we are promoting “British expertise”, we should also be open to learning from others: only this week we experienced this with a cross-governmental visit from Malaysia focusing on cyber security and cyber law training (more below) and we will see plenty more examples of two-way knowledge exchange during the Education World Forum later in the month, as which BEI will as always be playing an active role. And, finally, if you’re interested in some expert thinking on where UK interests lie in the confusing new world we’re living in, do take a look at Evie Aspinall’s latest piece for the British Foreign Policy Group.
As mentioned, on Monday this week, we were delighted to host a cross-government delegation from Malaysia for a workshop on Capacity Building and Workforce Development in Cyber Security. During the session, we explored the pressing issue of the UK’s cyber security skills gap and the vital role apprenticeships and vocational training providers play in bridging it. We engaged in a valuable knowledge exchange with representatives from the Malaysian government, learning about their current approach to cybersecurity education and exploring how both countries can learn from each other’s experiences and solutions. During the discussions, it was highlighted the importance of investing in cyber security education and certifications at all levels, from school to tertiary and professional. We also discussed how targeted programmes can nurture talent and better prepare both students and professionals for the evolving demands of the labour market.
On Tuesday, we hosted a panel to celebrate the launch of a new report, Unequal climate justice for people with disabilities, which harnesses insights and data from climate programmes and research of more than thirty civil society organisations, organisations of persons with disabilities, including women-led OPDs, and individuals with disabilities. Our panel included Mary Keogh (IDDC), Gerard Howe (FCDO), Bonface Massah (Africa Albinism Network), John Carstensen (Mott MacDonald) and Mark Barrell (CBM UK), with the discussion underlining the importance of disability inclusion in development.
The report and our discussion addressed the pressing need for localised, co-designed interventions involving persons with disabilities, as climate change exacerbates inequalities with particular impact on the most vulnerable. The availability and quality of data pose significant challenges, including insufficient data capture, a lack of disaggregated data by disability type and inadequate detail on the range of climate risks. Effective policy-level measures are crucial, alongside capacity building, in order to deepen understanding of the intersection between climate and disability. The aim should be to prioritise actionable solutions over unattainable perfection. There is a need to recognise the many different types of disability so that some are not overlooked. Encouragingly, climate finance is beginning to incorporate disability inclusion, though there is a need to avoid an over-simplified approach. Partnerships play an important role in ensuring meaningful engagement of persons with disabilities in climate programmes. Our member Nick Corby at Impel Consultancy took a leading role in creating the report, and we are grateful for the opportunity to host this important discussion.
Also this week we hosted a virtual Market Opportunity Overview for Mauritius together with colleagues from the Department for Business and Trade. We are grateful to H.E. Charlotte Pierre, British High Commissioner to Mauritius, for joining us and sharing her insights into the bilateral relationship. We were also joined by Deeptee Gooheeram-Bungaree, Country Director at DBT Mauritius; Dr Drishtysingh Ramdenee, Secretary General at the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI); and Sachin Mohabeer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Board of Mauritius together with his colleagues. Mauritius is an attractive strategic partner for UK businesses looking to grow in Africa and beyond: speakers explored opportunities for UK organisations in education, healthcare, and green and blue economy and sustainability sectors.
Turning to the next couple of weeks, we look forward to welcoming members to Grafton Street on Wednesday 14 May (12:00-14:30) for a session on "Continuing Professional Development (CPD)”. Our speakers include Vanessa Komiliades, Head of Professional Development at British Council; Dionne Ross, Associate Head of School for International Initial Teacher Training at University of Sunderland; and Joe Bell, Client Manager Skills Development at City and Guilds. This event will highlight best practice in delivering CPD for international educators based on the experience of market leaders.
We have just added a new in person event to our calendar with a delegation from Zanzibar on Monday 19 May (registration here). This event will provide a platform for the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) and a range of Tanzania/Zanzibar-based investors to meet with key organisations in the UK, showcasing opportunities across energy, infrastructure and the blue economy, and facilitating partnership discussions with UK private sector organisations.
Our next Climate Change Networking Evening will take place on 22 May with keynote speaker Mark Harvey, Founder and CEO of Resurgence. In addition to Mark's keynote, we will have a special screening of the first episode of AZEEMA: UNDAUNTED, a powerful and urgent film series that follows five displaced Sudanese weather forecasters and community leaders as they race against time to create a life-saving early warning system for 50 million people in Sudan. Register here.
I’m sorry that we had to postpone this week’s event on Place-based Skills for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation. We are looking to reschedule in the near future and will share the new date and time once confirmed. To hold your place, register here.
On the principle that we like to have something for everyone, I’d also like to share a couple of opportunities organised by some of our growing network of partners. First, the 14th Annual Global Leakages Summit takes place on 7-8 May next week. In the light of climate change and record global investment in leakage management, the conference promises both world-class knowledge-sharing programme as well as focused networking opportunities. BEI members can receive a 15% discount with code BEI15: please register here.
Finally, International Law Summits is hosting the 8th Annual Conference on Energy Arbitration and Dispute Resolution in the Middle East and Africa on 12-13 June. There’s a 10% discount with the code EARLYBIRD2025. Register here.As we (in the UK at least) enter a public holiday weekend with the sun shining, I wish you an enjoyable break…
With warm wishes for the weekend,
David Landsman
Executive Chairman
British Expertise International
Recordings of recent past events:
Key events coming up include the following:
- 14th May 2025 12:00 – 14:30 BST: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - Join us for an in-person panel event on Continuing Professional Development (CPD), with speakers from the British Council, City & Guilds Institute and the University of Sunderland. The in-person panel will explore different approaches to CPD frameworks and training educators in an international context.
- 19th May 2025 10:30 – 14:30 BST: Investment Opportunities in Zanzibar: Meet the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority - This in-person event will provide a platform for the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) and a range of Tanzania/Zanzibar-based investors to meet with key organisations in the UK, showcase opportunities across energy, infrastructure and the Blue Economy in Zanzibar, and facilitate partnership discussions with UK private sector organisations.
- 22nd May 2025 16:00 – 19:00 BST: Climate Change Networking Evening - Join us for an evening of thought-provoking conversation, potential new partnerships and the chance to meet with members of our Climate Change Working Group. Our keynote speaker this time is Mark Harvey, Founder and CEO of Resurgence – a global social enterprise that supports urban climate risk reduction and resilience. Mark is currently leading DARAJA, an award-winning weather, climate and early warning services initiative.
- 11th June 2025 16:00 – 19:00 BST: Climate Change Networking Evening - Join us for an evening of thought-provoking conversation, potential new partnerships and the chance to meet with members of our Climate Change Working Group. Our keynote speaker this time is Virginie Fayolle, Head of Climate at Mott MacDonald International Development Services.
- 26th June 2025 10:00 – 11:30 BST: Achieving Systems Change for Disaster Risk Management and Climate Adaptation - This roundtable will explore the complexities of Disaster Risk Management, with a particular focus on Early Warning Systems and locally-led solutions to resilience, and discuss strategies for overcoming these challenges.
- DATE TBA 2025 16:00 – 19:00 BST: Place-based Skills for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation - Join us for a panel discussion on Place-based Skills for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation, in partnership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). This in-person panel will explore how localised engineering practices can address the challenges of climate change by creating sustainable, adaptable, and resilient communities. Our panellists will showcase successful examples of place-based skilling for climate mitigation and adaptation, including case studies from the UK and globally.
External Events and Reports:
- 7th & 8th May 2025: Global Leakage Summit - The premier event for the international leakage community to listen, learn, and build relationships, tackling the toughest challenges together. Join presenters and panelists from leading UK and international water companies, and explore the latest technologies, data innovations, and software solutions from our exhibitors. In the face of climate change and record-high global investment in leakage management, this two-day conference promises a world-class knowledge-sharing program and invaluable networking opportunities.
- 2nd - 6th June 2025: Asia Clean Energy Forum 2025 at ADB Headquarters, Manila, Philippines. This is one of ADB’s signature events where clean energy practitioners from across the world convene to share insights and experience in the design and implementation of concrete actions that accelerate the financing of clean and efficient energy solutions. Registration will be open soon. For more details on how the 2024 ACEF transpired, you may refer to this link: Home ACEF 2024 - Asia Clean Energy Forum.
- 12th & 13th June 2025: International Law Summits: Energy Arbitration & Dispute Resilution in the Middle East and Africa - International Law Summits is hosting the 8th Annual Conference on Energy Arbitration and Dispute Resolution in the Middle East and Africa on 12-13 June. There’s a 10% discount with the code EARLYBIRD2025. Register here.
- 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.
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