16 May 1990, at the Regional Conference on "Action for a Common Future" organized by the Government of Norway in co-oper .at:ion with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE). 2. Our meeting, the second on an inter-ministerial basis at the regional level, is part of the international follow-up for the report of the World Commission on Environment and Development. Our meeting is also a demonstration of our intention to take an active and constructive role in the preparations for the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development. 3. We have had the benefit of a preparatory process which included as ful-1 partners the representatives of a wide cross-section of groups in our society: industry, scientists, trade unions, voluntary environmental organizations and youth. Representatives of these groups have together with Governments prepared the Bergen Agenda for Action of which we take note. 4. That process included four workshops focused on the following four themes: the Economics of Sustainability; Sustainable Energy Use; Sustainable Industrial Activities; and Awareness Raising and ~ubli~ Participa~ion. I. COMMON CHALLENGES 5. Today destruction of the biosphere and its ecosystems, environmental degradation, population pressures, depletion of ~esources, and extinction of species threaten the quality of human life as well as human health and many of the earth's biological systems. Unsustainable patterns of production and consumption, · particularly in industrialized countries, are at the root of numerous environmental problems, notably f~reclosing options for future generations by depletion of the res9urce base. 6. The'challenge of sustainable development of humanity depends on providing sustainability of the biosphere and its ecosystems, and also requires action by national Governments, as well ~s collaborative action by national Governments and internationa l and non-governmental organizations. Within the concept of s·..1stainabi lity, common objectives and concrete measures must be defined. Since 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the importance of sustainable development, environmental degradation, and the need for international collaboration to address these issues. It highlights the destruction of the biosphere and its ecosystems, population pressures, and depletion of resources as major challenges. The text also mentions the need for sustainable patterns of production and consumption, and the importance of defining common objectives and concrete measures to achieve sustainability.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, International trade