WASHINGTON, D.C., June 16, 2003 – The Peace Corps and the Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Technologia, National Council on Science and Technology, (CONACYT) of Mexico signed a Partnership Accord on June 10 as part of the ‘Partnership for Prosperity’ initiative that was launched by U.S. President George W. Bush and Mexican President Vicente Fox at their summit in September 2001.

Participants at the event included Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez, CONACYT Director Jaime Parada Avila, United States Ambassador Tony Garza, and Mexican Ambassador Juan Jose Bremer.

Working in conjunction with CONACYT, Peace Corps will explore the possibility of developing a program that meets the needs of CONACYT in areas such as information technology, small business development, science and technology and sustainable development.

During the signing ceremony, Peace Corps Director Gaddi H. Vasquez commented, "CONACYT’S focus on science and technology and small business development are two of Peace Corps\' fastest growing programs sectors, and we look forward to working with CONACYT wherever the needs exist. Today, we celebrate this historic Partnership and look forward to establishing a long-term relationship with mutual benefits for our countries.”

As a follow-up to the signing ceremony in San Francisco, Peace Corps and CONACYT will begin to develop a more specific work plan. Peace Corps will send an assessment team to conduct a country survey in the near future.

Since 1961, more than 168,000 volunteers have served in the Peace Corps working in such diverse fields as education, health and HIV/AIDS education and awareness, information technology, business development, the environment, and agriculture. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a two-year commitment.