United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon is urging the international community to bolster security in Somalia as the country moves from its current transitional government.

Mr. Ban's comment came Friday at a conference on Somalia, held in Istanbul,Turkey, focusing on helping Somalia establish a stable government and elect a new president by August 20. He told the gathering of representatives from 54 countries that Somalia needs solidarity in the face of terrorism, piracy, and drought.

The U.N. chief said success in building Somalia's security sector and the rule of law demands more engagement from Somalis and the international community as a whole.

Mr. Ban went on to urge donors to, in his words, support “this critical effort.” He said Somalia's private sector also has a role in rebuilding the country.

He said Somali women and youth can transform the country, but partners must step up and do their part. Mr. Ban said it is important that Somalia build resiliency and break the cycle of emergencies.

Somalia's transitional government is battling an insurgency from the Islamic extremist group al-Shabab. Somalia has not had a stable central government for two decades.