Peruvian Central Bank Chief Velarde Honored with Doctorate for Economic Stewardship
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Lima, Peru – The San Pablo Catholic University (UCSP) on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, awarded an honorary doctorate to Julio Velarde Flores, the president of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru (BCRP), recognizing his pivotal role in maintaining economic stability amidst challenging political and global conditions.
The prestigious academic ceremony highlighted Velarde’s distinguished career and his commitment to safeguarding Peru’s financial health. The recognition underscores the importance of an independent central bank in navigating complex economic landscapes.
“I want to express my thanks for this distinction,” Velarde stated during his acceptance speech. “I do not know how much it corresponds to me, since what one should always do is fulfill its function, and in the Central Bank of Reserve the function is price stability. What can only be achieved with a bank that is autonomous to isolate political pressures. It is what we have been looking for both me and a rather technical team, built over the years and meritocratic.”
Prior to the ceremony, Velarde delivered a lecture organized by the UCSP’s Department of Economic and Business Sciences, titled “The role of monetary policy and the foundations of the Peruvian economy.” The presentation provided attendees with insights from a leading figure in economic policy.
UCSP Champions Holistic Education and Leadership
The UCSP’s decision to bestow the honorary doctorate was unanimous, reflecting the university’s commitment to recognizing individuals whose contributions extend beyond the private sphere. “Mr. Velarde’s merits were taken into account by our university council by deciding to confer with enormous thanks and unanimously this mention,” explained Dr. Alonso Quintanilla Pérez-Wicht, rector of the San Pablo Catholic University. “From the UCSP we recognize and distinguish in a special way to a person when their value and actions pass from the private sphere to the common space by virtues and contributions that are considered worthy of being remembered and celebrated in time.”
The university emphasizes the development of well-rounded professionals equipped with critical thinking skills and a strong sense of social responsibility. The Department of Economic and Business Sciences plays a central role in this mission, fostering research, innovation, and engagement with Peru’s economic and social challenges.
Under Velarde’s leadership, Peru successfully weathered significant global crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, while maintaining monetary and financial stability. “Under the leadership of Mr. Velarde, Peru has gone through challenging global crises such as Covid Pandemia 19. Thanks to its prudent decisions, the country maintained monetary and financial stability,” noted Jessica Dowd Aguirre, Director of the Department of Economic and Business Sciences at the UCSP. “With the delivery of this recognition, the UCSP reaffirms its mission to highlight personalities that inspire new generations and seek to consolidate as an academic referent that form a competent reference that form a competent reference that forms a competent reference that forms a competent referent and leaders with global vision.”
The UCSP further supports the development of future business leaders through its business administration and accounting programs, as well as initiatives like the Kaman Business Incubator, the Business Leadership Center, and the Business Services Center (CENDES). These resources provide students with mentorship, innovation spaces, and networking opportunities to launch impactful projects.
The university’s comprehensive approach to education aims to equip graduates with the tools and connections needed to drive positive change and contribute to Peru’s continued economic progress.
