The Fourth Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Housing and Urban Development (APMCHUD) was concluded in Amman, Jordan after the adoption of Amman Declaration and Implementation Plan. 

At the closing event, Mr. Faris Gunaidi, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee announced that the Republic of Korea will host the 5th session of APMCHUD in 2014. The Head of the Korean delegation expressed the enthusiasm in sharing their experience in tackling the chronic housing shortages and other urban issues with the member countries during the next APMCHUD as well as Korea’s devotion to make it a successful and fruitful one. 

Jordanian Minister of Housing and Public Works Mr. Yahia Al-Kasbi announced the election of the 4th APMCHUD Bureau Members during the final session including Jordan, Indonesia, Iran, the Republic of India, South Korea, Maldives, Samoa, Pakistan and Fiji. 

In his statement during the closing session, Dr. Joan Clos, the Executive Director of UN-HABITAT expressed his gratitude to the government of Jordan for hosting the conference and to South Korea for agreeing to host the 5th session of APMCHUD. 

Dr. Clos pointed to the importance of the post 2015 development goals as well as to urbanization that requires the continued support by the governments in all countries in order to build more equitable cities that offer a source of livelihood, particularly for the youth. He also called for the need not to consider urbanization as a challenge but as a huge opportunity to achieve better economic performance and wealth generation. In addition, Dr. Clos encouraged member countries to share experiences, best practices and solutions referring to urbanization as described by economists as one of growth engines that can promote industrialization and the construction sector despite the difficult circumstances represented by the financial and political crises.  

Dr. Joan Clos announced the launch of the State of Urban Youth Report 2012 / 2013 during the ministerial session and presented the youth topic as being one of the five top priorities chosen by the UN Secretary General for his second mandate.

Dr. Clos referred to youth related issues that are considered as international challenge particularly the urban youth and youth unemployment. He also stressed the urgent need for joint efforts between different units and agencies such as UNDP, ILO and UN-Habitat to coordinate a common response in relation to this global issue. 

Moreover, Dr. Clos stressed the importance of good city management and city building that can generate additional youth employment and pointed to the construction sector considering its potential in adding around 50% of youth employment and which has already contributed to the economic growth in several countries.