“If we view our Earth as an island it becomes apparent that we must change course to ensure a healthy, sustainable world.” Nainoa Thompson, Master Navigator of the Hōkūle‘a and Hikianalia crew, President of the Polynesian Voyaging Society, Member of the Ocean Elders.In May 2014, as we celebrate the International Day of Island Biodiversity and International Year of Small Island Developing States, the traditional Polynesian voyaging canoe -- Hōkūle‘a, and Hikianalia -- her sister voyaging canoe, will set sail on a three-year voyage around the world to charter a new course for a resilient and sustainable future for our islands, oceans and the planet.The voyage, led by Master Navigator Nainoa Thompson and a new generation of navigators, will use only the signs of the waves, winds and stars to find their way to the Third International Conference of Small Island Developing States (UNSIDS) in Samoa in September 2014. These courageous navigators will bring the stories of our worlds islands and oceans to inspire leaders to take action for a sustainable and resilient future. The Hōkūle‘a and Hikianalia crew will carry this message to more than 25 countries during its 47,000 nautical-mile voyage crossing 12 Marine World Heritage Sites. This voyage represents a legacy of a 2000-year-old culture and relationship between islands, their people and the sea. It is one of the most ancient examples of genuine and durable partnership between our ancient Micronesian and Polynesia ancestors. Today, the Hōkūle‘a, Hikianalia and supporters of the global voyage is an innovative partnership that stands to inspire the world to catalyze positive change based on the shared values of, and responsibility for, caring for Island Earth while honoring island heritage and perpetuating culture.Objectives: With the support of the Global Island Partnership: • Promote values that encourage malama; caring for our collective home across scales – from the canoe to the islands to our planet home to navigate towards a resilient and sustainable future• Educate and inspire a new generation of world leaders and coastal communities to live sustainably and build resilient and sustainable island communities through innovative partnership• Carry the message of the UNSIDS conference to island countries and countries with islands globally

The Voyage: • The voyage of the Hōkūle‘a and Hikianalia will sail to more than 25 countries during its 47,000 nautical-mile voyage crossing 12 Marine World Heritage Sites inspiring leaders and communities (http://hokulea.org/world-wide-voyage/#!prettyPhoto[slides]/0/)

• Global Island Partnership (www.glispa.org), co-chaired by the Presidents of Seychelles, Palau and Prime Minister of Grenada • Governor Neil Abercrombie and the State of Hawai`i, USA • Hawai`i Green Growth Initiative • Ocean Elders (www.oceanelders.org) • Hawaiian Airlines • National Geographic • Huffington Post • Mission Blue