A/RES/68/239 Implementation of the outcome of the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat II) and strengthening of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) 11. Welcomes the strategic plan of UN-Habitat for the period 2014–2019 and its focus areas, as approved by the Governing Council of UN-Habitat at its twentyfourth session; 6 12. Invites the international donor community and financial institutions to contribute generously to UN-Habitat through increased voluntary financial contributions to the United Nations Habitat and Human Settlements Foundation, including the Urban Basic Services Trust Fund and the technical cooperation trust funds, and invites Governments in a position to do so and other stakeholders to provide predictable multi-year funding and increased non-earmarked contributions to support the implementation of the strategic plan for the period 2014–2019; 13. Emphasizes the importance of the Nairobi headquarters location of UN-Habitat, and requests the Secretary-General to keep the resource needs of UN-Habitat and the United Nations Office at Nairobi under review so as to permit the delivery, in an effective manner, of necessary services to UN-Habitat and other United Nations organs and organizations in Nairobi; 14. Requests the Secretary-General to keep the resource needs of UN-Habitat under review so as to continue efforts to improve its efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and accountability in supporting the implementation of its mandate; 15. Takes note of the governance review process of UN-Habitat, and encourages the Committee of Permanent Representatives to continue its consideration of proposals, including recommendations and options for reform, with a view to reaching a consensus on how to proceed with the governance review; 16. Decides to designate 31 October, beginning in 2014, as World Cities Day, invites States, the United Nations system, in particular UN-Habitat, relevant international organizations, civil society and all other relevant stakeholders to observe and raise awareness of the Day, and stresses that the costs of all activities that may arise from observing the Day should be met from voluntary contributions; 17. Welcomes the commitments of Member States and the efforts of other stakeholders to promote an integrated approach to planning and building sustainable cities and urban settlements; 18. Encourages Governments and Habitat Agenda partners to use planned city extension methodologies to guide the sustainable development of cities experiencing rapid urban growth, in order to prevent slum proliferation, enhance access to urban basic services, support inclusive housing, enhance job opportunities and create a safe and healthy living environment; 19. Recognizes the significance of equitable and adequate access to urban basic services as a foundation for sustainable urbanization and therefore to overall social and economic development; 20. Reaffirms Governing Council of UN-Habitat resolution 24/4 on gender equality and women’s empowerment to contribute to sustainable urban development, and in this regard urges Member States, UN-Habitat and all relevant stakeholders to take appropriate measures to implement the decision contained therein; 21. Recalls the international conference on the theme “Making slums history: a worldwide challenge for 2020”, held in Rabat from 26 to 28 November 2012, to review and share global progress in improving the living conditions of slum dwellers between 2000 and 2010 and to devise a strategy for inclusive, sustainable and prosperous cities; 4/5