Dear Members and Friends,
As a sign of turbulent times, last week I started by quoting Lenin. This week, to the question about the full implications of the first few weeks of the Trump Presidency and the ripple effects around the world (as I write, Germany seems to be in the headlines, where tomorrow?), the best answer is that of Zhou Enlai, that it’s too early to say. I heard earlier this week at a meeting with experienced development experts visiting from Washington DC about some of the unexpected consequences of the shutdown of USAID, including at least one US Embassy which had found its electricity and water supplies cut off. Though the most recent news from the US Supreme Court may offer some hope to those who are awaiting outstanding payments, there is clearly still a long way to go with more unexpected consequences to uncover.
Closer to home, I have written to Baroness Chapman, the new International Development Minister, with an offer from BEI to engage on how to ensure that UK international development capability can survive the funding cuts. This is only one part of our interaction with Government where our collaborative approach and the ability of our members to offer practical solutions ought to be of real value at an existential moment. We will continue to be in touch with members as the situation evolves to share our ideas and seek views on where we can add most value.
Luisa had the opportunity to attend on Wednesday the British International Investment Parliamentary Reception, hosted by Noah Law MP, member of the International Development Select Committee. The event was the first with BII’s new CEO Leslie Maasdorp, who presented his vision for the organisation’s future. He emphasised the urgent need to scale up climate adaptation efforts, adopt a more catalytic approach to finance—leveraging instruments that can multiply capital fivefold—and strengthen development partnerships through initiatives such as Mobilist. We look forward to welcoming Leslie soon at BEI to meet with members.
In the meantime, I look forward to seeing many of you next Tuesday 11 March for our in person discussion planned jointly with our colleagues at the British Foreign Policy Group on the landscape following the announced cuts to UK and US international development programmes. This will provide an opportunity to exchange views with experts both from the sector and the policy side, both to inform our future engagement with Government and other stakeholders but also crucially look forward to where the new opportunities can come from. This event looks to be well subscribed, but there are still a few places available.
This week, we have had two events focusing on exciting opportunities across two continents. First on Monday, BEI was honoured to partner with the British Embassy in Astana to host a delegation from Kazakhstan, including senior representatives from the Development Bank of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Energy, and the Kazakh-British Technical University. This was part of an Industrial Decarbonisation Study Tour organised by the British Embassy, intended to build relationships between senior government stakeholders and businesses, with a view to identifying opportunities for commercial collaboration in decarbonisation. The context was Kazakhstan’s National Infrastructure Plan and the 2050 Strategy which prioritises green industries, high-tech manufacturing, and a robust digital economy, all with a goal of achieving net-zero by 2060.
The discussion provided valuable detail on Kazakhstan’s plans. Zhanaidar Toksaba, Ministry of Energy, detailed Kazakhstan’s plans for hydrogen energy development and renewable energy legislation. Dina Zhanadil from the Development Bank of Kazakhstan discussed the process of securing the first ESG rating, crafting an ESG roadmap, and advancing sustainable project financing. Independent expert Dr Daulet Akhmetov shared insights on energy sector regulation and clean energy development. Arman Ibrayev, Managing Director at the Kazakh-British Technical University, provided some brilliant examples of research and innovation, while emphasising the role of UK educational standards. Finally, Björn Christianson of UCL Consultants Ltd explained how informed policy decisions can be made with access to good evidence, with illustrations from UCL’s partnerships with industry. You can find of the background to Björn’s presentation in our blog.
Yesterday (Thursday) we hosted the latest Marketing Opportunity Overview, this time focusing on Angola. We were joined by DBT Country Director Helder Sampaio who described the market and DBT’s priorities, alongside Trade and Investment Adviser Catarina Joana, who focused on key sectors: infrastructure and energy, agriculture and food security, and education and skills. In addition, we heard from Bruno Baptista, Head of Promotion and Investment at the Angolan Investment Board (AIPEX) and Fernando Luis, Director of Business Development at Dande Free Zone.
Turning to next week, in addition to the event on the future of international development which I mention above, we will have a virtual session on the morning of Tuesday 11 March with Leigh Stubblefield, Development Director in Kenya for the FCDO.
Finally, on Thursday, to mark International Women’s Day, do join us for a panel and networking evening on “Empowering Women and Girls for a Climate-Resilient Future”. The discussion will explore the role of climate education in #AcceleratingAction for women and girls, with a particular focus on the life skills needed for adaptation, leadership and advocacy, and collaboration between donors, international development organisations and academia.
And now to a couple of opportunities offered by friends and partners. For those with an interest in the Western Balkans, the ESG Adria Summit 2025- from April 9–11, 2025 in Tivat, Montenegro – has already made a name for itself as the premier regional gathering on sustainability, investment, and economic transformation, shaping policies, fostering investment, and advancing responsible business practice.
Building on the last two years’ events and with top-level support from the Government of Montenegro, this year’s Summit will provide an action-oriented forum for leaders to explore solutions to challenges in climate, energy, finance, technological transformation, and workforce development. The event will include high-level panels, fireside chats, interactive workshops, startup showcases, and closed-door ministerial meetings, ensuring meaningful engagement across sectors. Speakers will include: Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Benedikt Franke, CEO, Munich Security Conference; Ian Goldin, Professor at Oxford University, former World Bank Vice President, and advisor to Nelson Mandela; and Cherie Blair, CBE QC, Founder, Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. BEI Members can get a 10% discount on tickets by using the following code when registering: DGroupESGAdria2025. For more information, please visit the official website.
From South-East Europe to South-East Asia, our colleagues at DBT, in partnership with Philippines Department of Trade and Industry and the UK-ASEAN Business Council, are extending an invitation to BEI members to an exclusive in-person Briefing and Networking Reception to celebrate the inaugural UK-Philippines Joint Economic and Trade Committee on Monday 17 March from 17:30 at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors. This is an excellent opportunity to hear from Government and business stakeholders from both countries. Places are limited so please register to secure your place by Friday 14th March via davina.lyon@businessandtrade.gov.uk.
At the end of another intense week, warm wishes for the weekend,
David Landsman
Executive Chairman
British Expertise International
Recordings of recent past events:
- 6th February 2025: Disinformation: Countering Divisive Narratives
- 5th February 2025: Philippines - Market Opportunity Overview
- 20th February 2025: Unlocking Potential: Expanding Affordable Housing Solutions in Africa (Slides only, recording to come)
- 25th February 2025: Education Working Group: Driving Operational Effectiveness in International Schools
- 6th March 2025: Angola – Market Opportunity Overview
Key events coming up include the following:
- 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.
- 11th March 2025 14:00 – 17:00 GMT: What Next for International Development? - This in-person panel event will look at the future long-term implications of recent cuts to foreign aid, including by the British and US governments. We will bring together international development organisations and foreign policy experts to discuss the future of development, and how British donors and delivery partners should react to the evolving international agenda.
- 13th March 2025 16:00 – 19:00 GMT: Empowering Women and Girls for a Climate-Resilient Future - Join us for a panel and networking evening on the topic of Empowering Women and Girls for a Climate-Resilient Future. This event will explore the role of climate education in #AcceleratingAction for women and girls, with a particular focus on the life skills needed for adaptation, leadership and advocacy, and collaboration between donors, international development organisations and academia.
- 20th March 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 Nick Lambert, co-founder and director of NLA International. Nick will discuss how implementing the Blue Economy can create socio-economic benefit and address climate change.
- 26th March 2025 16:00 – 19:00 GMT: Resilience in Action - Join us on 26th March for an in-person panel and networking event on the topic of Resilience in Action. The panel will discuss best-practice for growing the resilience of people, communities, and systems to achieve transformational change in contexts affected by climate change, conflicts, and other disasters.
- 27th March 2025 16:00 – 18:30 GMT: Education Working Group: Continuing Professional Development (CPD) - Join us for our March Education Working Group 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.
- 8th April 2025 16:00 – 18:30 BST: Developing Resilient Public Health Systems - Join us on 8th April for an in-person panel discussion on Developing Resilient Public Health Systems with speakers from City St George’s, University of London, Dulas, International SOS, Options Consultancy Services and Sightsavers. Our panellists will provide valuable insights into how different strategies and initiatives can contribute to building resilient health systems capable of tackling acute and chronic public health threats.
External Events:
- 11th March 2025:Marketing for growth in international settings webinar with Jonathan Ledger, Skills and Professional Bodies Specialist, International Education Team, Department for Business and Trade - These 90-minute webinars will provide skills and training providers with essential insights on how to effectively shape and tailor their marketing strategies for international markets. Participants will learn how to align their marketing approaches with specific country needs and ambitions, ensuring their messaging resonates with target cohorts.If you are interested, please contact Amalie (ac@britishexpertise.org) for further information.
- 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.
- 13th March 2025: Women Working in Development: Gender Lens Investing - BDO UK is holding a panel discussion on the topic of gender lens investing. The discussion will explore current practices for integrating gender considerations into investment decisions.
- 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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