Published jointly by ECLAC and the CIDOB Foundation, the book “Towards a new social contract: Economic policies for comprehensive development in Latin America” is comprised of the addresses that were given at a seminar held in Barcelona in October 2006 which brought together economists and other well-known academics to reflect and debate on the situation, and to discuss what policies should be implemented to achieve sustained, equitable economic development in the region. The book tackles different components of economic policies, including fiscal reform, public spending and social protection, all of which represent basic prerequisites for establishing a social contract capable of ensuring political stability and economic development in Latin America. The presentation will be attended by the co-editors of the book, José Luis Machinea and Narcís Serra, in addition to Secretary-General of SEGIB Enrique Iglesias and David Vegara, Secretary of State for the Economy.