AGP Executive Report

USMNT Wraps Perfect Window: Mauricio Pochettino’s U.S. side finished four friendlies with four wins, grinding out a 1-0 victory over Canada in St. Paul as 19-year-old Justin Ellis scored the only goal after a cross from Alex Freeman. Peru Spotlight in Sports: The same window included earlier U.S. wins over Peru (4-1) and Chile (4-2), keeping Peru in the mix as a key opponent during the break. Lima Goes Purple for BTS: Ahead of BTS’s first Peru concerts, Lima is renaming a Surco street to “Avenida BTS” and lighting landmarks in purple, with shows running through the week at major city sites. Food Safety Cooperation: South Korea will train 32 food-safety officials from Latin America (including Peru) to strengthen import safeguards and help Korean food firms expand regionally. Church & Pachamama Debate: Ahead of Pope Leo XIV’s Peru visit, a canon lawyer says the pope is unlikely to join Pachamama ceremonies, while also raising contested claims about church handling of a Peruvian abuse case.

Peru–UN Security Council Dispute: Peru reiterated its adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 2797 as the basis for resolving the dispute over the Moroccan Sahara. El Niño & Girls’ Safety: A new Plan International assessment links climate shocks to higher risks for girls in Peru and other countries, including early marriage, unintended pregnancy, and gender-based violence. Economy Watch: Peru’s economy is projected to grow about 3.4% despite El Niño, and the country is also pushing investment via a carbon project pipeline. Tourism & Connectivity: Peru is working to strengthen air connectivity and infrastructure to boost tourist competitiveness. Sports Spotlight: Peru’s presence in the region’s football headlines continues, including coverage tied to Canada’s friendly vs. the U.S. after Canada beat Peru 2-0. Regional Security: Peru joined a joint statement by the U.S. and nine other countries condemning Iran-linked “terrorist activities” and proxies across the Western Hemisphere.

Tourism & Air Connectivity: Peru’s Mincetur is pushing a new Air Connectivity Table to open routes, modernize regional airports, review airport fees, and improve emergency coordination—aiming to boost tourism competitiveness. Security & Gambling Crackdown: Peru blocked 50 remote gaming and sports betting platforms for operating without authorization, cutting illegal offerings by over 50% and seizing clandestine betting equipment in Junín. Climate Finance: Peru expects $250M for 12 carbon projects under Article 6 deals with Switzerland and Singapore, targeting 8.4M tonnes of CO2e reductions by 2030. Mining & Communities: Panoro signed a five-year surface access agreement with the Cochapata community for Cotabambas, enabling next-phase infill and step-out drilling. Regional Geopolitics: The U.S. confirmed $52.1M in military aid redirected from Slovakia to Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Peru. Sports (Peru in focus): Canada beat Peru 2-0 in Montreal; Peru also faced a forest-fire incident near Machu Picchu with reported casualties.

Regional Politics: Peru’s regional and municipal elections are headed to runoffs in at least nine regions after no candidate cleared the 30% threshold, with exit-poll projections pointing to clear winners in Callao, Madre de Dios, and Apurímac, while places like Amazonas, Áncash, Arequipa, Ica, La Libertad, Lima, Moquegua, Piura, and Tumbes are set for governor runoffs. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Gilat Peru and Pronatel signed a $28 million deal to upgrade broadband in Peru’s Ica region, aiming for faster speeds for 116 public institutions and free Wi‑Fi in 30 public squares. Environment & Industry: Camino Minerals’ Puquios project in Chile’s Coquimbo region received Chile’s water authority confirmation to start diversion and channeling works after meeting a $1.7 million guarantee requirement. Health & Society: Telehealth mental health counseling is expanding in Peru via secure video sessions, helping patients overcome distance and stigma barriers. Culture & Community: In Lima’s Chorrillos Women’s Prison, inmates are sewing “pope dolls” for Pope Leo’s South America visit as part of Peru’s “productive prisons” reintegration program.

New Species in Peru: Scientists announced a new Andean lizard, Liolaemus archipensis, found in Arequipa’s puna above 4,800 meters, adding to Peru’s already rich reptile diversity. Illegal Fishing Fight: Peru joined international calls for stronger tech-based surveillance and enforcement to curb IUU fishing, linking maritime crime to broader organized crime risks. El Niño Prep in Peru: Carabayllo launched a community clean-up and environmental education drive, with volunteers removing waste from the Chillón River as El Niño fears grow. Peru Elections Day: Voting began in Peru’s regional and municipal elections, with millions choosing governors and mayors for 2027–2032, as polling centers open nationwide. Drug Case Linked to Peru: UK police say a “trainee shaman” imported Class A psychedelic drugs from a Peruvian “medicine man,” leading to a five-year jail sentence after parcels were seized. Regional Politics Watch: Brazil’s presidential race is headed to a runoff after Flávio Bolsonaro beat Lula in the first round, with the Oct. 25 showdown drawing attention across Latin America.

Peru in the spotlight abroad: A Peruvian man, Julian Curo-Churata, died while in ICE custody at a Louisiana hospital, according to U.S. authorities. Peru-linked crime bust: UK police say Border Force intercepted six packages of Class A drugs sent from Peru to a man’s “home lab” in Coventry, tied to alleged “shamanic” training claims. Peru science: New research at Peru’s Huaca del Loro suggests unusual Wari-era burials of mummified individuals under a temple, potentially reshaping parts of regional history. El Niño watch: Scientists warn a strengthening El Niño and Kelvin waves could worsen coastal flooding, with Peru affected by rising sea levels. Sports with Peru ties: Peru’s national team was mentioned in recent international soccer coverage, including matches against Canada and the U.S. youth-led run-up to the Mexico rivalry.

Machu Picchu Access Road Fire: A blaze near the main route to Machu Picchu in Peru’s Cusco region killed one elderly person and injured two others, with officials saying it spread fast due to hot, windy weather and dry vegetation. New Inca Roads Found: A Polish-Peruvian team using drone LiDAR scanning identified over 2.5 kilometers of previously unknown Inca roads near Machu Picchu, expanding what’s known about the area’s ancient network. Peruvian Biodiversity Boost: Scientists announced a new lizard species, Liolaemus archipensis, found above 4,800 meters in Arequipa. Sports—Peru in the Spotlight Abroad: Canada beat Peru 2-0 in a friendly in Montreal, while Peru also featured in the wider CONCACAF/USMNT-Mexico rivalry coverage. Regional Security Note: Peru is cited among countries backing Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan at the UN.

Peru Security: Peru will deploy 57,000 police for October 2026 election security, as authorities ramp up coverage ahead of voting. El Niño Risk: Peru faces intensifying El Niño impacts, with warnings about extraordinary weather effects and threats to adobe heritage. Economy Watch: Peru’s consumer credit rose 12.7% year-on-year in August 2026, while mortgage loans climbed 7.6%—signals of continued demand despite political turbulence. Sports (Peru in focus): Canada hosts Peru in Montreal on Oct. 3, with up-and-coming goalkeeper Owen Goodman set to debut and Samuel Piette honored for his 70th cap; meanwhile, USMNT’s Pochettino-led youth push continues after wins over Peru and Chile, setting up a high-stakes rivalry vs. Mexico. International Context: A new Economist/Latinobarómetro survey finds Latin Americans increasingly favor China over the U.S., including in Peru.

Election Security in Peru: Peru plans to deploy 57,000 police for the Oct. 4, 2026 regional and municipal elections, with 46,000 at polling sites and 11,000 moving electoral materials, covering 26 million registered voters. Peru’s Legal Move: Peru’s Constitution Commission approved a bill granting legislative powers tied to Security and the El Niño Phenomenon, as the country braces for climate impacts. El Niño Threat: A report warns of a historic El Niño with major risks for Peru, including pressure on ecosystems and infrastructure. Court Case: Peru’s court sentenced “Jhonsson Pulpo” to 35 years in prison. Environment & Health: Scientists briefed Pope Leo XIV on Amazon mercury pollution linked to gold mining, highlighting harm to wildlife and Indigenous communities. Sports (Canada vs Peru): Canada’s Cyle Larin is a game-time decision with a back injury ahead of the friendly in Montreal.

Peru in the spotlight: A new report ranks Peru among the easiest places for digital nomads, placing it second overall thanks to smoother visa and everyday logistics. International sports: Canada hosts Peru in an international friendly, with previews pointing to a Canada win as Peru struggles to create consistent attacking chances. Peru culture abroad: Arlington’s Festival Latinoamericano spotlights Peruvian dance and culture in a free Saturday lineup. Nature and tourism in Peru: Tambopata Reserve is using “citizen science tourism” to turn visitors into wildlife researchers. Peru in global politics: The U.S. has redirected military aid to Latin America, including Peru, despite objections from Democrats. Local human-interest: Highland Wildlife Park welcomed a second baby vicuna this year, named Apu, Peru’s national animal.

Mining & Exploration: Patriot Resources says it’s ramping up work at its Tassa silver-gold project in southern Peru, starting with 38 surface samples at the Pachamayo target and moving crews to the Tassa 5 tenement to extend the mineralized corridor beyond its current inferred resource. Environment & Health: Scientists brief Pope Leo XIV on mercury pollution from Amazon gold mining, warning it spreads through ecosystems and reaches vulnerable Indigenous communities across Peru, Bolivia, Brazil and Colombia. Climate Risk to Heritage: Reports warn a “super El Niño” could threaten thousands of Peru’s coastal archaeological sites, especially adobe structures, as authorities scramble to protect heritage from heavier rain and flooding. Sports (Peru vs Canada): Jonathan David is in form for Canada ahead of Saturday’s friendly vs Peru in Montreal, while Peru is coming off a 1-1 draw with Mexico. Public Health: Peru’s dengue incidence is cited at 160.19 cases per 100,000, amid regional comparisons showing higher rates in several neighboring countries.

Peru Politics: Peru’s electoral jury is investigating the foreign minister over a neutrality breach, while Congress moves to archive a motion of censure against Interior Minister César Astudillo after opposition parties withdrew support following the killing of regional candidate Susy Aponte Polo. Peru Economy & Trade: Peru’s blueberry exports to the U.S. jumped 80% in early 2026, with total exports up 65% to $620M, even amid El Niño heat. Regional Security & Health: Peru is also coordinating election security measures through ONPE, and PAHO and Andean countries launched a plan to protect health from climate-change impacts. International Spotlight: A Peruvian-Japanese fusion restaurant, Ceviche Arigato, is expanding in the U.S., signaling continued global demand for Peruvian flavors. Climate Watch: Super El Niño coverage continues, with Peru highlighted for potential impacts on rainfall, rivers, and marine resources.

El Niño Hits Peru’s Fishing: Fishermen from Ecuador to Peru report empty nets as warming waters push tuna and anchovies farther offshore, leaving some boats idle. Peru Culture Abroad: Peru’s embassy in Kuwait opened an exhibition of Ayacucho retablos, highlighting the Andes folk-art tradition of painted wooden miniature scenes. Peru Science Spotlight: Researchers in Arequipa identified a new high-altitude lizard, Liolaemus arequipensis, living above 4,800 meters. Health Tech Research: A new study in Science Advances says a “speech clock” can estimate biological brain aging from vocal patterns, using data from Spanish speakers across Peru and other Latin American countries. Peru in the News Cycle: Peru’s President Fujimori set in motion a minimum wage increase and urged Congress to rise to national challenges, as officials also discuss security measures with police leadership.

El Niño and child risk: UNICEF warns that El Niño-linked droughts and floods are putting about 1 in 7 Latin American children at risk, with humanitarian needs rising as the climate event intensifies. Climate science update: New research suggests climate change is making El Niño events stronger, with this year’s event potentially among the biggest on record. Peru–Korea investment push: Peru’s ProInversión presented 85 rail and infrastructure projects worth about $39B to Korean firms, aiming to attract fresh capital. El Niño preparedness in Peru: Peru’s Prime Minister met CAF leadership, with CAF reiterating support for security, infrastructure, and El Niño readiness. Avocado trade watch: ProHass estimates Peru’s Hass avocado exports will be 1.9% lower than last season, citing El Niño impacts on fruit development and harvest timing. Parliament diplomacy: Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta visited Peru’s Congress, meeting Senator Víctor Flores Ruiz to discuss legislative practices and strengthen India–Peru ties. Education cost pressure: Peru Community Schools Board began an exploratory process to exit the Heartland Career Center cooperative amid a $2.5M deficit and declining enrollment. Chancay Port jobs: A profile highlights how Peru’s Chancay mega-port is creating local career paths as cargo operations expand.

USMNT vs. Chile (Peru tie-in): Mauricio Pochettino’s young U.S. side kept rolling, beating Chile 4-2 in St. Louis after a 4-1 win over Peru, with teenagers Julian Hall and 17-year-old Mathis Albert starring—Albert became the youngest-ever US scorer in the modern era, while Hall scored in back-to-back games. El Niño alert for Peru: Peru’s ENFEN raised the El Niño alert to 88%, warning Coastal El Niño could stay at extraordinary intensity until January 2027, with heavier rains expected from November and major impacts on river flows and marine resources. Peru business/finance: Jeeves says it’s expanding stablecoin-native cards to Peru (among other new markets), as it scales its banking platform after hitting $5B in annualised platform volume. Peru sports/education: Laureate Education said it runs universities in Peru and Mexico serving about 500,000 students, and it set its next earnings release for Oct. 29. Peru culture/people-to-people: Delhi Legislative Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta met Peru’s Indian community in Lima, highlighting diaspora business links and cultural ties.

Tariff Talks: Peru has asked the U.S. to cut a new 12.5% tariff tied to forced-labor rules, with ADEX estimating the levy hits about US$5.336B in 2025 exports to the U.S., as negotiations continue between Mincetur and the U.S. Trade Representative. Remote Testing Tech: Datamatics was chosen by Prometric to run 24/7 multilingual support for global remote exams, including proctoring and security monitoring, with delivery centers in India, the Philippines, and Peru. Peru’s Climate & Nature: A report highlights how illegal gold mining is ravaging Peru’s Madre de Dios rainforest, with satellite mapping pointing to major forest loss tied to mining operations. El Niño Food Pressure: Coverage warns El Niño could drive extreme weather and food price spikes, urging households to prepare for disruptions. Culture & Tourism: Azerbaijan promoted its heritage and tourism at a fair in Lima’s Miraflores district, drawing heavy local interest. Sports: The U.S. faces Chile after beating Peru 4-1, with attention on Pochettino’s young squad and the next friendly.