Dear Members and Friends,
This newsletter starts by putting the spotlight on education as we welcomed this week many of our members and stakeholders in the sector to Grafton Street for two high-profile events organised to coincide with the annual BETT edtech exhibition. It is without doubt a priority sector for BEI: led by Luisa, we have invested in building our networks across the education ecosystem at all stages, both in the UK and internationally. We work both with ambitious national governments in fast-growing countries particularly in the Gulf and across Asia, as well as with donors on development programmes in the sector. We are keen to work with education providers at all levels to help them expand internationally, complementing and adding to the support which DBT is able to offer.
The first of our two education events, organised in collaboration with DBT, focused on Education Opportunities in Africa, with two panels covering respectively Francophone and Anglophone Africa (Senegal, Morocco, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Tunisia; and Nigeria, Egypt, and Mauritius, respectively), with the participation of DBT colleagues and officials from a number of African countries who were able to join us during their visit to BETT.
The focus then turned to Kazakhstan, welcoming a large delegation led by Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek, who was making his fourth visit to BEI. We were also joined by HE Magzhan Ilyassov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan and HE Kathy Leach, British Ambassador to Kazakhstan and senior leaders of Kazakh and British education establishments.
During the round table, the Minister described an ambitious vision for higher education in Kazakstan in which he sees an ongoing major role for collaboration with UK institutions. In addition, members heard from Ilyas Zhnagaskin, Member of the Board of the International Education Corporation on TNE cooperation between the University for the Creative Arts and KazGasa; Karen Davies from Charterhouse school on opening a British school campus in Kazakhstan; Hayley Gryc from Arup on how to create a successful learning environment; Ian Pratt from Scott Brownrigg on building unique learning spaces; and Rassul Alibekuly (DBT), head of the British Trade Office in Almaty.
At the reception afterwards – without doubt, one of the most packed events we have seen in Grafton St! - in addition to hearing from the Minister and the two Ambassadors, we also witnessed the signature of three MOUs formalising cooperation between the Queen’s University Belfast, the University of Glasgow and the University of Exeter with Kazakh partners. Given the evident pace of development in the Kazakh education sector and the enthusiasm for working with the UK, I am sure that we will be able to celebrate more collaborations of this kind in the years to come. On that note, if you are interested in BEI’s Higher Education Trade Mission to Kazakhstan, from 17-21 March covering both Astana and Almaty, please do get in touch.
Turning to the rest of our programme for this week, on Tuesday we were treated to a fascinating in person discussion on Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), led by BEI members Lamia Renaud at Integrity and Subira Bjørnsen at Cadmus, whose organisations are instrumental in enhancing MEL aspects of FCDO and Defra programmes, alongside Daniel Cowing, Defra’s MEL lead on the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund. The panel discussed how MEL can provide the evidence base to support sound decision making, especially for climate and nature programming, where approaches need to be long term and adaptable. We look forward to continuing our engagement with Defra in our programme over the coming months.
Our virtual event on Tuesday focused on Tanzania with FCDO Development Director Kemi Williams. Kemi set out the rationale for the UK bilateral programme and discussed the pipeline. In her words: "The UK's work in Tanzania aims to achieve a strong UK-Tanzania partnership, leading to a more prosperous, equitable, better educated and resilient Tanzania, [while] also supporting UK interests and investments."
Next Tuesday 28 January will see our first Climate Change Networking Evening of 2025 with Kate Hargreaves, Director for Climate and Environment at DAI as keynote speaker. Kate’s work takes a holistic approach to tackling the climate crisis, combining technological innovation, financial strategy, community involvement and social equity. Do come and join us to hear Kate and meet colleagues.
Looking further ahead, on Tuesday 4th February, we will be hosting our annual in person update with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), providing an excellent opportunity for BEI members, whether established IFC partners or those with an interest, to gain insights into the IFC's operations. The session will provide advice on building partnerships with the IFC, including guidance on navigating processes as well as a broader perspectives on how IFC engages with the private sector. We will explore IFC’s proactive, early-stage market and project preparation (upstream) work, along with strategic priorities in key sectors such as agribusiness, forestry and education. Please register here.
Finally, as skills challenges come up in many conversations, you may be interested in the opportunity offered by BEI member City & Guilds to attend an invitation-only Employer Summit for future-focused businesses which will take place on 11 March in Liverpool during this year’s Apprenticeships and Training Conference, for which C&G can also offer a 50% discount. The summit will be hosted jointly by Kirstie Donnelly MBE, CEO City & Guilds, and Shane Mann, CEO EducationScape and is an opportunity to explore the challenges and opportunities around workforce attraction and development including potential flex of the Growth and Skills Levy. Panels will cover the workforce of the future, durable skills in the world of AI and skills and diversity investment to drive business productivity and growth. You can register your interest by completing this form on the City & Guilds website.
It’s been a pleasure to see so many members in the building for what has undoubtedly been a busy week.
My best wishes for a restful weekend,
David Landsman
Executive Chairman
British Expertise International
Recordings of recent past events:
- 16th January 2025: AI and Innovation in International Development
- 21st January 2025: FCDO Development Director: Tanzania
- 21st January 2025: Harnessing Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning for evidence-based policies and programmes in Climate and Nature
Key events coming up include the following:
- 28th January 2025 16:00 – 19:00 GMT: 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 Kate Hargreaves, DAI’s new Director for Climate and Environment. Kate’s work reflects a holistic approach to tackling the climate crisis, combining technological innovation, financial strategy, community involvement, and social equity.
- 4th February 2025 11:00 – 12:30 GMT: Working with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) - IFC is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector. IFC provides equity investments, loans, and advisory support to businesses and projects that can drive growth and innovation in emerging markets. This hybrid event will serve as an introduction to working with the IFC. The session is designed for both new and established partners, offering an annual update on key developments and opportunities.
- 5th February 2025 09:00 – 10:30 GMT: Philippines - Market Opportunity Overview - With a young workforce and ongoing reforms, the Philippines offer abundant opportunities for UK organisations across infrastructure, energy, and technology. The DBT Manila team alongside the regional UKEF representative will bring insights on the latest developments in the UK-Philippines bilateral relationship, and some of the key business opportunities.
- 6th February 2025 14:00 – 15:30 GMT: Disinformation: Countering Divisive Narratives - Join us for an online panel event on Disinformation: Countering Divisive Narratives, which will feature a panel of BEI members sharing their expertise working on projects countering disinformation globally.
- 20th February 2025 10:00 – 11:30 GMT: Unlocking Potential: Expanding Affordable Housing Solutions in Africa - BEI members Altair alongside their partners Shelter Afrique, the pan African housing finance development bank, and the Nigeria-based multi-disciplinary property services company, Modern Shelter are delighted to invite you to join a free webinar exploring affordable housing solutions in Africa.
- 25th February 2025 14:00 – 15:30 GMT: Education Working Group: Driving Operational Effectiveness in International Schools - Join us for our February Education Working Group on Driving Operational Effectiveness in International Schools, with speakers from EDT, Ardingly College, Etio and DBT. The online panel will identify and explore key factors that contribute to operational effectiveness in International Schools and how to best ensure the delivery of quality education.
- 26th February 2025 13:00 – 15:30 GMT: Opportunities for UK expertise in Mongolia - Explore Mongolia's ambitious vision for economic development and infrastructure megaprojects as we welcome a senior delegation headed by the Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia, Amarsaikhan Sainbuyan. This is a prime opportunity for UK businesses and investors to explore potential collaborations and expand their presence in Mongolia's burgeoning market.
- 27th February 2025 16:00 – 19:00 GMT: 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 Andy Blackhall, Managing Director of WRc. Andy will reflect on his career and his hopes for the future.
- 11th March 2025 11:00 – 12:00 GMT: FCDO Development Director Series: Kenya - Join us as we host Leigh Stubblefield, Development Director in Kenya for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), who will present FCDO’s development strategy, programming and pipeline of opportunities in Kenya.
External Events:
- 28th January 2025: In Conversation with Grant Shapps - ‘Development in the Pre-War’ Era - Join the Coalition For Global Prosperity for the launch of their newest report ‘Development in the Pre-War Era’, and an ‘In Conversation’ Event with foreword author and former Secretary of State for Defence Grant Shapps at Royal United Services Institute at 19:00.
- 25th & 26th February 2025: World Water Tech Innovation Summit - The World Water-Tech Innovation Summit is the premier networking event for water leaders, investors and innovators to share and showcase best practice in delivering climate-resilient, energy-efficient water systems. The summit returns to London on February 25-26, 2025, bringing together forward-thinking water utilities, regulators, engineering firms, investors and start-ups from around the world for two days of pivotal discussions, partnership building, and innovation discovery.
- 11th & 12th March 2025: 4th UN International Procurement Seminar with the United Nations at the UN City, Copenhagen. This two-day seminar will include panel discussions, presentations from the UN Agencies and inform suppliers about procurement needs, procedures and how to do business with the UN. There is also a unique opportunity to request 1-2-1 meetings with the 10 participating Agencies & 2 Development Banks.
- 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.
- 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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