The greatest resource of any nation in the 21st century is its people

"We meet in the midst of the worst global recession in a generation. I believe that the market is the greatest force for creating and distributing wealth that the world has known," Obama said addressing the 'New Economic School' in Moscow.

However, he said that wherever the market is allowed to run rampant -- through excessive risk-taking, a lack of regulation or corruption -- "then all are endangered, whether we live on the Mississippi or the Volga."

"And while this crisis has shown us the risk that comes with change, that risk is overwhelmed by opportunity. Think of what's possible today that was unthinkable two decades ago. A young woman with an Internet connection in Bangalore, India can compete with anyone, anywhere. An entrepreneur with a start-up in Beijing can take his business global," he said.

He said the greatest resource of any nation in the 21st century is its people, and the countries which tap that resource are the countries that will succeed.