
BEI Weekly Update — 1st November 2019
The calendar of upcoming events and a weekly update from BEI
Dear Members and Friends,
A busy week for us with some great events. A discussion on global trends in PPPs explored how this loose term has come to be applied to an ever-wider variety of arrangements. It was generally agreed that the UK has great experience and unique capabilities and expertise to profitably deliver innovative financing arrangements in this space.
A panel discussion on “Sustainable Development in Aid Funded Projects” centred around some of the key issues which included; using a common definition for sustainability, systematic measurement to provide evidence, designing programmes with sustainability as an end goal. The discussion also touched on the complexities and high costs of measuring sustainability retrospectively.
This week’s event highlights:
On Wednesday 6 November join us for an event on Future Energy Security in Developing Markets. The event will explore the future of secure, affordable and clean energy sources in developing markets.
On Thursday 7 November, DFID Evaluation Adviser Andrew Shaw will share on The Importance of Research and Evaluation Across DFID Projects. Generating a robust evidence base, testing innovation and developing new technologies is a critical part of DFID’s work in tackling the toughest and most complex global challenges.
Looking Ahead…
We will be co-hosting the annual ADB 2019 Business Opportunities Seminar on 11 and 13 November in London and Manchester respectively. This year’s event will also include presentations from the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The event will share insights on delivering work, opportunities pipeline and navigating the procurement processes.
On 12 November, join us for a topical discussion around Addressing Skills Shortage in the Infrastructure Sector. Industry skills shortage has been an ongoing issue of concern, but how do we address these challenges and attract young people to consider careers in the infrastructure/construction industry?
Other News:
We now all know one of the early ‘presents’ we are getting this Christmas — a general election! Most likely to be one of the most contentious and fractious with Brexit towering over it. As for the outcome, your guess is as good as mine.
After almost a decade as chair in the House of Commons, Speaker John Bercow has ‘left the building’ and it will be interesting to see how his successor will perform in comparison.
It would be remiss of me to end the newsletter without taking the time to wish the England rugby team all the best in their pursuit of the Rugby World Cup trophy on Saturday as they battle it out for the honours with South Africa.
I wish you all and pleasant and restful weekend.
Derrick Sanyahumbi
Chief Operating Officer
British Expertise International
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Upcoming Events
For any event registration assistance please contact Alex Farley. Click on titles to access more event details. The full calendar can be viewed here and recently added event dates are highlighted with an asterisk*
4th November, 2019
US-UK Commercial Competition and Cooperation
6th November, 2019
Future Energy Security in Developing Markets
7th November, 2019
The Importance of Research and Evaluation Across DFID Projects
11th November, 2019
ADB 2019 Business Opportunities Seminar- London
This year’s event will also feature presentations from the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
12th November, 2019
Addressing Skills Shortage in the Infrastructure Sector
According to latest Engineering UK reports, construction skills shortages have reached an all-time high. Forecasts indicate an annual demand of 124,000 core engineering roles and a shortfall of 59,000, whilst the UK faces the challenge of encouraging construction careers amongst young people. This event will address strategies for reducing skills shortage both long term and short term that are critical to UK industry and services abroad.
13th November, 2019
Responding to a New Era of Resilient Infrastructure
13th November, 2019
ADB 2019 Business Opportunities Seminar- Manchester
This year’s event will also feature presentations from the World Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
14th November, 2019
ICAI How UK Aid Learns
18th November, 2019
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation — Impatient Optimists Working to Reduce Inequality
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) works to reduce inequities around the world. In the developing world, it focuses on improving health and alleviating extreme poverty. The foundation is the largest private foundation in the world holding $50.1 billion in assets. Join us for a discussion with Andrew Mace, Head of UK and Australia Relations at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) shares insights on BMGF’s work, priorities and opportunities for UK companies to work with and deliver projects on behalf of the foundation.
20th November, 2019
USAID Funding Strategies and Questions
21st November, 2019
Global Education Technology Innovations
10th December, 2019
Global Rail Sector Review- DIT Insights
11th December, 2019
An Introduction to Islamic Finance
23rd January, 2019*
Sustainable Finance and Investing in the SDG’s
28th January, 2019*
DFID: Engaging Europe — Post Brexit
After Brexit, both DFID and the EU will continue to be major players in international development, committed to meeting the SDGs and tackling extreme poverty. But the shape of the relationship will change. Join us on Engaging Europe Post- Brexit as Omar Daair, DFID Head Europe Department provides an update on DFID’s plans on working with the EU in a post-Brexit scenario.
29th January, 2019
Investing in Fragile and Conflict-Affected States- Lessons Learnt
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External Events
The Department of International Trade has compiled a new list of Upcoming LATAC events
27–31 October, 2019
East and Central Africa Mining Forum, Kigali Rwanda
For more details contact Gavin De Costa Gavin.DeCosta@fco.gov.uk
29–31 October, 2019
2019 World Bank Group Business Opportunities Fair.
30 October, 2019
Opportunity Arabia, Oil and Beyond Conference
BEI Members entitled to a £50 discount, please contact Alex Farley for discount code.
5–6 November, 2019
Serbia Mineral Resources Conference, Belgrade
Contact Bojana Arsic if you are interested bojana.arsic@fco.gov.uk
3 December, 2019
Guadalajara Forum
CEOE-CEPYME Guadalajara in co-operation with How2Go consulting will present an information forum on the Guadalajara region of Spain to discuss the opportunities for UK companies looking to set up a subsidiary in Spain as a gateway to Europe. The Mayor of Guadalajara, business representatives and representatives of the Provincial Council of Guadalajara will present the benefits of investing in Guadalajara supported by other speakers offering their services from law and business. Please contact lcriscenti@h2gconsulting.com for further information.
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