This video features three expert speakers with experience working in developing countries explaining how access to affordable and reliable energy from fossil fuels is essential to reducing poverty worldwide.

Dr. Caleb Rossiter

In 1983, Dr. Caleb Rossiter earned his doctorate from Cornell University in Policy Analysis. From 1987 – 1990, Rossiter served as the deputy director for the bipartisan Arms Control and Foreign Policy Caucus in the United States Congress. He wrote research reports, policy papers, as well as legislation for members of Congress in an attempt to end U.S.-backed wars in developing areas such as Central America and Southern Africa. In 1992, Rossiter founded Demilitarization for Democracy, an initiative aimed at promoting the banning of anti-personnel landmines. He was the Democratic candidate for Congress in New York’s 31st congressional district in 1998. Also, he is the author of four books: Development versus Diplomacy (1985), The Chimes of Freedom Flashing (1996), The Turkey and the Eagle (2010), Ain’t Nobody Be Learnin’ Nothin’ (2015).

Irfan Ali

Presently, Irfan Ali is a partner at The Georgelas Group, a real estate firm in the greater D.C. metropolitan area. He is at the forefront of investing and developing Tysons Corner, Virginia, one of the largest transit-oriented mixed-use developments in the area. Prior to working with The Georgelas Group, Ali was a managing partner of ThaPak Consortium. At ThaPak, Ali pursued groundbreaking concepts for economic development in Pakistan. Through tactical partnerships, Ali focused on energy and food security for sustainable economic development. Ali also functioned as an appointee to the Tysons Land Use Task Force.

Dr. Frank Clemente

Dr. Frank Clemente is a former professor of Sociology and member of the Graduate Faculty at Penn State University, serving as the director of Penn State’s Environmental Policy Center (1979-1981). Clemente was also on the faculty at the University of Kentucky and was a National Institutes of Health Post-Doctoral Fellow in Economic and Industrial Development at the University of Wisconsin. Corporations and government agencies have utilized Clemente as a consultant due to his expertise in the environmental field. The main focus of Clemente’s research is the socioeconomic effect energy policy has on families, minorities, business and communities.