Improved public governance in Middle East could boost economic growth, says

Public governance is typically weaker in countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region than in others at similar income levels, according to a World Bank report released Monday.

Better Governance for Development in the Middle East and North Africa, second in a series of reports focusing on development in MENA, argues that good governance rests on the twin values of inclusiveness and accountability. For the report, the failure of MENA countries to ensure these has weakened their economic growth and human development.

And, as men and women in MENA are living today at a time of rising expectations and growing economic challenges, the gap between societies' achievements and people's aspirations puts development in MENA at risk. Development is not only about incomes and wealth. It is also about the broader quality of life.

Having educational opportunities, access to quality healthcare and clean water, equality of treatment and the freedom to participate in the governance process, says Christian Poortman, World Bank Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa. Good governance is essential to secure these values, because it ensures that state authority is exercised in ways that respect the integrity, rights and needs of everyone in the country.