UNI Awards Doctor Honoris Causa to Julio Velarde

Julio Velarde Flores, president of the board of directors of the Central Reserve Bank of Peru, received the Doctor Honoris Causa honorary degree from the National University of Engineering on September 30, 2026. The distinction was awarded by university rector Arturo Talledo Coronado to recognize Velarde’s professional trajectory and his contributions to the country.

During the ceremony held at the Gran Teatro de la UNI in the Rímac district, Velarde emphasized the necessity of maintaining low and stable inflation as a primary objective of monetary policy. He noted that Peru should not accept higher inflation levels than those found in developed nations, stating that people everywhere value price stability. The event formed part of a series of honors bestowed upon Velarde by various academic institutions across Peru.

Velarde Defends Central Bank Autonomy to Prevent Inflation

Velarde defended the autonomy of the central bank as an essential safeguard to separate monetary decisions from the political cycle. He argued that attempting to stimulate the economy through inflation yields no lasting growth and causes greater damage over time. The central bank president also reviewed historical economic challenges in Peru, highlighting measures taken regarding foreign exchange and international reserves to reduce national vulnerability to major crises.

The central bank chief dedicated the academic distinction to the institution itself rather than personal achievement. I believe it’s more of an honor for the Central Bank than for myself, for which I am deeply grateful., Velarde stated during his address.

Academic Recognition and Prior Ties to the University

Rector Arturo Talledo highlighted Velarde’s historical connection to the institution, noting that the economist achieved the second place in the general order of merit on the university’s admission exam in 1970. Talledo praised Velarde’s career for its rigor and discipline during the ceremony, which coincided with the university’s 150th anniversary. University authorities, student representatives, and academic deans attended the event.

The distinction from the National University of Engineering follows a series of similar honorary doctorates awarded to Velarde in recent months by institutions including the National Agrarian University La Molina, the National University of San Cristóbal de Huamanga, and the Catholic University of Santa María, alongside the receipt of the Orden del Sol from the government in March 2026.