Reflections on the role of guilds in progress and security in Peru

In a reflection session on the role of guilds and their impact on the progress of the country and the Peruvian people, discussions were held regarding the shared concerns of business leaders regarding the low economic growth, the low legitimacy of authorities, and the limited support for democracy in Peru. It was pointed out that this situation could lead the population to seek changes in the government regardless of the consequences, due to the perception that the State does not significantly influence their quality of life. One of the participants emphasized that the instability in the country stems from the lack of differentiation that the government brings to the lives of citizens, especially in terms of providing basic services such as water, security, health, and education. This perception of governmental irrelevance generates a detachment from democracy and opens space for populist candidacies that offer simplistic solutions to the structural problems of the economy. In this context, the importance was raised for guilds to identify initiatives that truly make a difference in people's lives, especially in those areas where the population feels most neglected by the government. In this sense, the role of the insurance sector as a provider of financial protection against events that could negatively impact the economy of families, businesses, and governments was highlighted. While insurance is traditionally associated with protecting the life, health, or material possessions of individuals, the importance of raising awareness about its ability to protect vulnerable populations in catastrophic situations such as pandemics, earthquakes, or floods was emphasized. Two key areas were identified where public policies could make a difference in reducing people's vulnerability: the protection of public assets that provide essential services and the protection of citizens' most important private asset, their homes. Regarding public assets, the Ministry of Economy and Finance was urged to deploy financial tools to ensure the reconstruction of schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure in the event of major disasters. Regarding home protection, the need to implement insurance policies that expedite compensation for those who lose their homes in situations like natural disasters was highlighted, thus avoiding delays in aid delivery. These initiatives not only have a direct impact on the lives of vulnerable populations by ensuring their protection against adverse events but also contribute to legitimizing the work of authorities by demonstrating effectiveness in solving concrete problems. In a context of discontent and distrust towards governmental institutions, actions like these can make a difference and strengthen the relationship between the State and the citizenry.