A social compact is a political instrument for putting into place, within a democratic framework, institutional reforms and policies such as those that the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean need at the development crossroads they have now reached. Through social dialogue, it provides a way of broadening the horizon of political and policy actions. As framed in this document, equality is the core value underpinning that horizon, and structural change with innovation and environmental sustainability are the pillars that, together, must drive equality forward. A social compact is, moreover, especially important now because the region is approaching a crossroads at which slowing growth in trade and consumption could call for bold decisions regarding social protection, investment and fiscal policy.