Obama: Development must remain top foreign policy plank

WASHINGTON — President Obama, taking stock Wednesday of his efforts to boost living standards in developing countries, said he made global development a “fundamental pillar” of U.S. foreign policy because it’s a good investment, and he urged his successor to continue to prioritize the issue.

“If you care about human dignity, if you care about reducing violence and terrorism, if you care about fighting climate change, if you care about addressing inequality and creating trade and prosperity that works for all and not just some, then you’re going to have to pay attention to development and you’re going to have to make an investment,” Obama told his successor.

Obama also highlighted U.S. efforts to educate adolescent girls, and help young entrepreneurs and others around the world network and share ideas.