From 13 to 15 June, the “Hybrid Course on Design and Formulation of Education for Sustainable Development Public Policies” was launched, organized by UNESCO San Jose and the Earth Charter Center for Education for Sustainable Development. This course is taking place using a hybrid mode, consisting of 36 face to face hours and 30 virtual hours. The beginning of the course took place at the Earth Charter Center for Education for Sustainable Development facilities in the University for Peace, San Jose – Costa Rica. The course will continue until 8 August 2017.
A total of 25 officials from Ministries of 
Education and Environment from each country of the Central American Integration System (SICA), committed themselves to this training. The call for participation was made by UNESCO, with the support of CECC SICA.
During the first face-to-face phase, senior officials deepened their knowledge of sustainable development from a systemic perspective, on the concept of education for sustainable development, and on what are the basic elements of public policies on education for sustainable development.
Mirian Vilela and Alicia Jiménez, who are part of the staff of the Earth Charter Center for EDS, coordinate the course, and facilitators who collaborate include Alejandrina Mata and Rafael Luna. During this first part of the course, a wide variety of exhibitors were invited; from young high-school students to the Deputy Minister of Public Education of Costa Rica, who presented their perspectives on education and sustainability. 
It was possible to appreciate the real efforts that each participating country is making towards the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the implementation of Education for Sustainable Development in the curriculum. A paradigm shift of the education system in the region is envisioned, where interrelated educational agendas such as on Education for Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and SDGs are implemented in an coherent and integrated manner.
