DUBAI: US President Barack Obama urged Arab countries on Monday to establish inclusive governments to ensure security in their region.

“When governments truly invest in their citizens, their education, skills, and health, and universal human rights are upheld, countries are more peaceful, more prosperous and more successful,” he said on the opening day of the World Government Summit here.

“As we have seen in the tumult across the Middle East and North Africa, when governments do not lift up their citizens, it’s a recipe for instability and strife,” he said in a video address to the conference.

President Obama recalled discussing with leaders of the six Arab monarchies of the Gulf at Camp David last year how “true and lasting security requires an inclusive government that serves all citizens”.

“Please note, across this region and around the world, those of you who embrace reform and truly invest in the lives of your people will continue to have a partner and friend in the United States,” he said.

The president of the World Bank Group, Jim Yong Kim, said: “Good governance is the foundation of all development.

“Many parts of the world are becoming more fragile, making quality leadership and good governance ever more important.”

He called for governments to be “transparent in their actions and fully engage with citizens”.

“Governments must invest in their people to give them the opportunity to reach their full potential... create business environments that encourage innovation, competition and private sector investments which will in turn create jobs.”

More than 3,000 participants from 125 countries, including world leaders and top experts, are attending the three-day summit on governance.

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2016