This study looks at the major challenges of the future and proposes a new start based on four contracts: social, natural, cultural and ethical. Will humanity survive the coming century? Is it threatened by a demographic time-bomb? Will there be food for everybody? Will we be able to eliminate poverty? are we heading for generalized urban apartheid? Will new technologies increase the gap between the rich and the poor? Or will they open access to lifelong distance education for all? Will women conquer their legitimate place in society? How can we fight global warming and desertification? Will...