The Central Reserve Bank of Peru reported that Julio Velarde, its president, was awarded an honorary doctorate by the National University of San Cristóbal de Huamanga in Ayacucho. In remarks at the ceremony, Velarde said autonomous central banks are needed to shield monetary policy from political pressure and stressed that monetary policy's role is to preserve price stability. The university said the award recognized Velarde's career and contribution to Peru's economic stability. Its rector described him as an exemplary public servant and said that under his leadership Peru has recorded the lowest and most stable inflation in Latin America. Velarde also highlighted the Bank's meritocratic approach to attracting top professionals and the importance of education for the country's development.