The Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (PUCP) inaugurated its 2026 academic year on March 25, highlighting the importance of shared responsibility in addressing Peru’s current challenges. The ceremony, held at Teatro NOS, brought together students, faculty, administrative staff, and university authorities to discuss the role of academia during a decisive election year and amid global conflicts.
Speakers emphasized that the university must act as a bridge between disciplines and generations. PUCP President Dr. Julio del Valle said: “For facing the complex electoral process, the University is called to build bridges between disciplines, ideas and with young people. And also to recognize, with humility, that our task requires joint work with actors beyond academia.”
Dr. Waldo Mendoza, Academic Vice President of PUCP, addressed the significance of over 2.5 million young voters participating for the first time in Peru’s General Elections this year—a development directly involving many university students. Mendoza said: “Voting means thinking about the common good and about the collective future we aspire to build; therefore it cannot be assumed as a mere formality. In this context our institutional mission is to train critical citizens capable of analyzing reality questioning it and contributing responsibly to national development.” He outlined ongoing efforts such as curriculum updates and prioritizing student well-being.
Student representative Carla Sabrera spoke about her experience at PUCP: “I thank PUCP because it constantly reminds us that before being professionals we must be people with social awareness judgment and sensitivity regarding what happens outside.” She encouraged peers not just to start classes but also “not go through university without transforming themselves.”
Dr. Max Hernández from Acuerdo Nacional highlighted structural inequalities in Peru along with public distrust institutions face today: “If social order and collective life are based on shared imaginaries then it is possible to transform them in order to rethink a fairer society… This involves placing once again at center values such as collective well-being social cohesion cooperation so they guide both daily practices public action.” Hernández stressed upcoming elections are crucial for democracy’s future.
Cardinal Carlos Castillo closed by urging attendees not to use faith instrumentally in politics but instead contribute positively alongside Pope Leo XIV’s vision: “The only way things can be solved is through love—and that implies dialogue openness reason but also heart,” he said before declaring the academic year open together with Del Valle.
