Dear Members and Friends,
While others speculate on the lasting effects of the current period of international economic turmoil (not to mention the conflicts the headlines were focused on until only a few days ago), we are looking at where the opportunities will come from. For many, including the majority of US voters last November (and they’re not alone), the pendulum had swung too far in the direction of globalisation. It has now been pulled forcefully – and far – in the other direction. Wherever exactly it lands, the world won’t go back to where we thought it was before. The multipolar world was already with us, but has now become impossible to ignore. For those of us who grew up with a foreign policy predicated on the US as a dependable ally, history reminds us it wasn’t always thus. And, in a world in which Asia is rising rapidly and Africa is less far behind than we imagine, the UK is not the power it once was; our European neighbours are likewise.
But we still have great strengths that are valued around the world, not least of which are the breadth and depth of skills and expertise of the industries and sectors represented by BEI’s members. For the UK, still one of the world’s richest countries and with so much to offer, there is an opportunity to be agile and build deeper relationships based on mutual interests with a diverse range of countries and regions.
Three thoughts. First, relationships matter. We need to avoid the tempting shortcuts of an over-transactional approach. You need to roll out the red carpet for customers and partners. You can’t build good business by email and Zoom alone. Part of our job is to facilitate face-to-face contact, whether in London, on our trade missions or by working together with our invaluable HMG partners in Embassies and High Commissions overseas. Our sister organisations in Grafton Street – D Group focusing on the UK and BFPG enhancing our international reach – can multiply our networks further. Secondly, in a diverse multi-polar world, we have to accept values are diverse too. Few countries should be off-limits. Thirdly, in the new world, there’s plenty of scope to build mutually-beneficial relations with the many countries which, like us, depend on free trade. For example, it’s to deepen our engagement with CPTPP, which includes several of BEI’s target countries. All three thoughts will be in our minds as we develop our programme for the months ahead.
Back to the here and now, on Tuesday we held a round table on “Developing Resilient Public Health Systems”, with Jackie Lane, Deputy Director and Senior Health Systems Strengthening Advisor, Reaching the Last Mile at Sightsavers; Salim Nakueira, Director of Global Health Development, Government Services at International SOS; Patricia Doherty, Assistant Technical Director at Options Consultancy Services; and Raheelah Ahmad, Director for Global Engagement at City St George’s, University of London. The discussion provided valuable insights into how different strategies and initiatives can contribute to building resilient health systems capable of tackling acute and chronic public health threats.
On Thursday, we welcomed a delegation from GridCo, Ghana’s national transmission system operator, for a round table discussion. The event explored GridCo’s work, focusing on variable renewable energy sources, sharing technical expertise and showcasing UK best practice and innovative solutions for decarbonised energy systems. Speakers representing BEI members included Stephen Nash from Kuungana Advisory; John Heath from Adam Smith International; and Jonathan Hedgecock from Ricardo.
We are already looking ahead to our programme for after the Easter break. On Thursday 24 April, we have “From concept to reality: has the Water-Energy-Food nexus approach translated into tangible results?” This virtual event brings together speakers from IOD Parc, Scene and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to explore the application of the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus approach.
On Tuesday 29 April we will discuss “The Importance of Disability Inclusion in Climate Action” in an in-person panel covering both climate mitigation and adaptation. Speakers include representatives from FCDO, IDDC and CBM Global, as well as local partner organisations. They will share insights into the impact of climate change on people with disabilities, case studies on successfully strengthening disability inclusion and how climate and disability inclusion remain central to FCDO strategy.
On Wednesday 30 April we turn our attention to Mauritius, with the latest in our series of virtual Market Opportunity Overviews, including speakers from DBT alongside senior Mauritian Government officials and industry leaders. We will discuss the UK-Mauritius Strategic Trade Partnership (STP), focusing on key opportunities in education and skills development, healthcare and digital health, green economy and sustainability, and the blue economy.
On Thursday 1 May, we look forward to welcoming you to an in-person event on “Place-based Skills for Climate Mitigation and Adaptation” in partnership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). We will explore how localised engineering practices can address climate challenges by contributing to the creation of sustainable, adaptable and resilient communities, with case studies from the UK and internationally.
Finally, I am glad to report that we now have a new date for our Climate Change Networking Evening with Virginie Fayolle, which will take place on 11 June. More information on our website.
This newsletter will return on 25 April. In the meantime, warm wishes for the Easter break,
David Landsman
Executive Chairman
British Expertise International
Recordings of recent past events:
Key events coming up include the following:
- 17th April 2025 12:00 – 13:00 BST: Water Resilience Working Group - The UK has a distinctive offer and world-leading expertise in sustainable and climate-resilient water services. This group, in partnership with UK government, IFIs and other key stakeholders, aims to define that offer and leverage it to increase exports.
- 24th April 2025 10:00 – 11:30 BST: From concept to reality: has the Water-Energy-Food nexus approach translated into tangible results? - This virtual event brings together speakers from IOD Parc, Scene and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) to delve into the application of the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) nexus approach.
- 30th April 2025 10:00 – 11:30 BST: Mauritius – Market Opportunity Overview - Join our virtual Market Opportunity Overview on Mauritius, featuring speakers from DBT and senior Mauritian government officials and industry leaders. We will discuss the UK-Mauritius Strategic Trade Partnership (STP), and focus on key opportunities in Education & Skills Development, Healthcare & Digital Health, Green Economy & Sustainability, and the Blue Economy.
- 30th April 2025 10:30 – 13:30 BST: The Importance of Disability Inclusion in Climate Action - Join us for a panel on disability inclusion in climate mitigation and adaptation. Speakers include representatives from FCDO, IDDC and CBM Global, as well as local partner organisations, who will present insights into the impact of climate change on people with disabilities, case studies on successfully strengthening disability inclusion, and how climate and disability inclusion is central to FCDO's ongoing strategy.
- 1st May 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.
- 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.
- 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.
External Events and Reports:
- SUMS Consulting: “Understanding the benefits and costs of what universities do” - SUMS Consulting and EAUC are celebrating two years of sustainability support. Over the last two years, SUMS have helped institutions across the sector to embed sustainability into their mission, strategy and the way they do business. SUMS sustainability services are expressly designed for the higher education and further education sectors, and are delivered in partnership with EAUC, the sustainability champion for universities and colleges in the UK. Read more here.
- 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.
- 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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